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Bill > A1059
NJ A1059
NJ A1059Requires electric public utilities to submit to BPU and implement electric infrastructure improvement plans.
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 would require each electric public utility in the State to submit, within 120 days after the bill's enactment, an electric infrastructure improvement plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for approval. The purpose of the plan would be to reopen many of the State's electric distribution circuits that have been closed to any additional renewable energy installations, or restricted to 100 kilowatts or less of remaining circuit capacity. The bill would require each plan to contain certain provisions, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 1 of the bill, as well as any additional provisions included by the utility. The bill would require the BPU to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove each plan within 300 days after the bill's enactment. Each utility would be required to schedule the work associated with each plan at the earliest date possible.
AI Summary
This bill requires electric public utilities to submit an electric infrastructure improvement plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) within 120 days of the bill's enactment, with the goal of reopening electric distribution circuits that are currently closed or restricted for new renewable energy installations. These plans must include provisions for allowing electricity to flow from the distribution system to the transmission system, requiring solar inverters and energy storage systems on closed circuits to use smart inverter technology capable of injecting and absorbing reactive power (a type of electricity that doesn't do useful work but is necessary for grid stability), and identifying any low-cost, actionable alternatives to physical wires that could help reopen these circuits. The BPU has 300 days to approve, modify, or reject these plans, and upon approval, utilities must implement the improvements as soon as possible and report on their success in approving new renewable energy projects.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities 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/A1059 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1059_I1.HTM |
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