Bill > A5548

This bill requires owners or operators of data centers in New Jersey to submit comprehensive quarterly reports to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) about their water and energy usage. The reports must include detailed information such as the data center's basic identifying details, total energy consumption (including electricity and fuels), water usage, power sources, and specific performance metrics like energy reuse factor, power usage effectiveness, and renewable energy factor. The bill defines key terms such as "data center" (a facility primarily focused on storing and processing digital data) and requires reporting on various technical aspects like IT equipment energy consumption, water sources, waste heat temperature, and renewable energy usage. Data centers must submit their first report within six months of the bill's effective date (or three months for centers already in operation for a year), and they must notify the BPU of any substantial operational changes at least 60 days before implementation. The BPU is required to publish these reports on its website within 30 days of receipt and will coordinate with the Department of Environmental Protection in implementing the bill's provisions. The legislation aims to increase transparency and understanding of data centers' environmental and energy impacts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5548