Creating Clean Energy Programs for Neighborhoods That Need Them Most
Official: A 4892 — Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Reading: The bill establishes a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within the Board of Public Utilities and directs creation of clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs targeted at overburdened communities, representing an expansion of environmental and clean-energy protections.
The goal is to ensure that the benefits of clean energy—like lower energy bills and cleaner air—reach the neighborhoods that need them most.
In clear language
This bill creates a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to help communities that have been left behind in the clean energy transition. It directs the state to establish clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs specifically designed for overburdened communities, and makes changes to how community solar programs work. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of clean energy—like lower energy bills and cleaner air—reach the neighborhoods that need them most.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Residents in low-income and overburdened communities who have historically paid more for energy and seen fewer environmental benefits
- Households struggling with high energy costs who could benefit from energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy programs
- Communities near polluting industries or highways that deal with poor air quality and want access to clean energy solutions
- People interested in community solar but want it to work better and be more accessible
What can you do?
- Contact your state assembly representative to express support for this bill if you live in or care about overburdened communities
- Once programs are established, apply for clean energy efficiency upgrades or community solar programs if you're eligible
- Stay informed about the Board of Public Utilities' announcements regarding the new Office of Clean Energy Equity and available programs
Timeline
- May 7, 2026: Bill introduced and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- NJ LegislatureMay 18, 2026Creating an Office of Clean Energy Equity to help overburdened communities access clean energy programs
New Jersey is establishing a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within the Board of Public Utilities to ensure overburdened and low-income communities can access clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs. The bill also makes changes to the community solar program to expand access. This aims to make sure the benefits of New Jersey's clean energy transition are shared fairly across all neighborhoods.
- NJ LegislatureMay 7, 2026Clean Energy Equity Program for Low-Income Communities
New Jersey is creating a new Office of Clean Energy Equity to make sure lower-income and historically disadvantaged communities get fair access to clean energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and energy storage technology. The state will establish specific programs to help these communities, and will also make changes to the community solar program so more people can benefit from solar power. This law aims to ensure that the benefits of clean energy aren't only available to wealthy neighborhoods.
- NJ LegislatureJan 13, 2026Proposed Office of Clean Energy Equity for Overburdened Communities
A proposed bill would create a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to develop solar, energy efficiency, and battery storage programs specifically for overburdened communities. The bill also proposes changes to how the state's community solar program operates. The measure is currently under review in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
- NJ LegislatureJun 30, 2026Changes to New Jersey's solar and renewable energy incentive programs and utility rules
This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs and requires electric utilities to process solar interconnection applications more fairly for certain projects. The bill was replaced by another version (S3183) in June 2026, so this version is no longer active.