Bill
Bill > S4523
NJ S4523
NJ S4523Requires State agencies that administer utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs to review, and potentially increase, income thresholds for residential customers to participate in programs.
summary
Introduced
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
In Committee
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, Board of Public Utilities (BPU), and any other State agency that administers a utility bill payment assistance program or energy efficiency program to, within one year of when the BPU issues a final order in the proceeding entitled "In the Matter of Addressing New Jersey Energy Affordability for Low- and Moderate-Income Households" (Docket No. QO24110853), complete a review of the program, as provided for in the bill, and increase the income threshold if the department, board, or agency determines an increase to be appropriate. The bill requires that a State agency request public comment, in a form and manner determined by that State agency, or seek assistance from other State agencies, to determine an appropriate increase to the program's income threshold. The bill further specifies that if an increase in income thresholds for the State's low-income energy efficiency programs is ordered, the BPU is required to assess if further guidance is necessary to change income thresholds in the utilities' triennium energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs for moderate-income energy efficiency programs to ensure that low- and moderate-income customers are eligible for only one energy efficiency assistance program and to expand access to moderate-income programs, if appropriate.
AI Summary
This bill requires several New Jersey state agencies, including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to review and potentially increase income thresholds for residential customers participating in utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs within one year of the BPU's final order on energy affordability for low- and moderate-income households. The review must consider factors such as the alignment of income thresholds across different programs, the potential use of alternative income metrics like state median income, and the overall cost and impact of raising these thresholds. Agencies are required to seek public input or collaborate with other state agencies to determine appropriate income threshold increases. If an increase is ordered for low-income energy efficiency programs, the BPU must also assess whether additional guidance is needed to adjust income thresholds in utility energy efficiency programs, with the goal of ensuring that low- and moderate-income customers are not duplicating assistance and potentially expanding access to moderate-income programs. The bill will take effect immediately and expire once the final income threshold increase is implemented by a state agency.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 05/29/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4523 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4523_I1.HTM |
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