Bill > A5585

This bill eliminates the ability of electric and gas public utilities to recover costs for demand side management programs through the societal benefits charge, a non-bypassable fee collected from all utility customers. Specifically, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed utilities to recover costs for energy efficiency, electric vehicle, and renewable energy programs through this charge. The term "demand side management" refers to programs designed to reduce energy consumption or shift energy usage to more efficient times. By removing these programs from cost recovery, the bill effectively stops utilities from passing these program costs directly to customers through their utility bills. The legislation appears to be part of a broader effort to modify how energy efficiency and renewable energy programs are funded in New Jersey, potentially signaling a shift away from utility-administered programs or seeking alternative funding mechanisms. The bill also repeals two previous related sections of law and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5585