Bill > A1064

This bill establishes the "Community Power Storage Program," which allows customers of an electric public utility to participate in energy storage projects located within their utility's service area, even if those projects are not on their property. An "energy storage project" is defined as any technology that can store and later release electrical energy, and is connected to the state's power grid. Participants will receive a credit on their utility bill that is at least equal to the value of the electricity their participation helps to send back to the grid. The Board of Public Utilities (the "Board") is tasked with creating rules for this program, including setting a maximum project size of five megawatts, establishing program capacity goals totaling 2,000 megawatts by 2034, and prioritizing projects in urban areas and on unused industrial sites. The rules will also specify the number of participants required for each project, how bill credits will be calculated, and ensure access for low- and moderate-income customers. The Board will also provide information on its website about projects seeking participants and will set standards for project owners, including verification that the energy stored and discharged matches the credits given to customers, and consumer protection measures. Electric utilities will be allowed to recover their costs for implementing and complying with this program, subject to the Board's review. Finally, the Board will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the program's effectiveness and suggest any necessary changes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1064