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Bill > S2718
NJ S2718
NJ S2718Requires 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
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 mandates that state agencies, including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which manage programs that help residents pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency, must review and potentially raise the income limits for people to qualify for these programs. This review must happen within a year after the BPU makes a final decision in a specific case concerning energy affordability for low- and moderate-income households. To determine if an increase is appropriate and by how much, these agencies will seek public input or collaborate with other state agencies, considering factors like how different income limits align across programs and the overall cost and impact of any changes. If income limits for low-income energy efficiency programs are increased, the BPU will also examine if adjustments are needed for moderate-income programs to ensure people don't receive assistance from multiple programs and to potentially broaden access for moderate-income households. This law takes effect immediately and will end once all required state agencies have implemented their final income threshold increases.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S2718 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2718_I2.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2718_I1.HTM |
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