Bill > S2862

This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to develop a program within one year to promote and increase participation of women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ-owned energy businesses in the state's energy market. The program aims to gradually increase the percentage of natural gas and electricity purchased through board-licensed energy agents, energy consultants, or private energy aggregators from these diverse businesses, starting at 5% in the first year and incrementally increasing to 25% by the fourth year. To qualify for the program, businesses must be certified by state or national organizations, be registered to do business in New Jersey, and have filed a current New Jersey Annual Report. The bill requires the BPU to establish an annual 60-day enrollment period for eligible businesses to apply, and to publicly track and report the program's progress on its website. The proposed legislation expands the definition of "energy business" to include board-licensed energy agents, energy consultants, and private energy aggregators, and aims to create more opportunities for diverse-owned businesses in the energy sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

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