Bill > S2862

This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), referred to as "the board," to create a program within one year to promote energy businesses that are owned by women, minorities, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals. This promotion can be done through public information campaigns, marketing, advertising, incentives, or other methods the board deems appropriate. The program will set specific goals for the percentage of natural gas and electricity purchased by business customers and public entities through board-licensed energy agents, energy consultants, or private energy aggregators that must be sourced from these diverse energy businesses. These goals start at five percent in the first year after the program's establishment and gradually increase to twenty-five percent by the fourth year and every year thereafter. To qualify as a diverse energy business, a company must be certified by an appropriate state or national organization, be registered to do business in New Jersey, and have filed a current annual report with the state's Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The bill also mandates that the board establish an annual enrollment period for these businesses to apply to the program and requires the board and public utilities to post lists of approved businesses on their websites, along with regular updates on the program's progress.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2862