Bill > A5959

This bill requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to submit detailed reports to the Governor and Legislature in January and October of each year regarding the societal benefits charge (a utility-imposed fee determined by the BPU). The reports must cover the previous five fiscal years and current fiscal year, providing comprehensive information including: total revenue collected from the charge, revenues allocated to demand-side management programs (like energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives), funds directed to the Universal Services Fund (which supports programs like the Lifeline Credit Program for low-income residents), funds allocated to the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Incentive Fund, and an itemized statement of revenues expended by each electric and gas public utility for programs not previously specified. The bill replaces previous reporting requirements, which mandated the information be included in the Governor's budget message, with a more direct reporting mechanism. The new reporting requirements will first take effect for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, giving utilities and the BPU time to prepare for the new detailed reporting standards. The bill aims to increase transparency about how these utility-collected charges are used across various energy and social assistance programs.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5959