Bill
Bill > S3746
summary
Introduced
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to develop and implement a program to promote women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ)-owned energy businesses in the State. The bill authorizes the program to include public information campaigns, marketing, advertising, the provision of incentives, or other means and methods determined appropriate by the BPU. The bill establishes certain target percentages for the energy procured by businesses and public entities that utilize electric power or gas suppliers. These target percentages are to culminate, in the fourth energy year after the program is established and thereafter, with the goal that 25 percent of the energy procured by businesses and public entities that utilize board-licensed energy agents, energy consultants, or private energy aggregators be sourced utilizing a women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, or LGBTQ-owned energy business. The bill establishes certain requirements for determining which businesses qualify for the program and directs the BPU to develop an application process for businesses that seek to participate in the program. Finally, the bill requires the BPU and electric and gas public utilities in the State to post a list of approved energy businesses on their Internet websites and requires the BPU to track the progress of the program in meeting the targets established by the bill and to post updates on the BPU's Internet website.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which is the state agency that oversees utility services, to create a program to support and promote energy businesses that are owned by women, minorities, veterans, or individuals who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning). This program can include public awareness campaigns, marketing, advertising, financial incentives, or other methods the BPU deems suitable. A key part of the bill sets targets for the amount of energy that businesses and public entities purchase through licensed energy agents, consultants, or private aggregators to be sourced from these underrepresented energy businesses. These targets will gradually increase, aiming for 25% of energy procurement to be sourced from these businesses by the fourth year after the program begins and every year thereafter. To qualify for the program, businesses must be certified as minority, women, veteran, or LGBTQ-owned by an appropriate organization, be registered to do business in the state, and have filed their annual report. Businesses interested in participating must apply to the BPU during an annual enrollment period, and the BPU, along with electric and gas utilities, will post a list of approved businesses on their websites. The BPU will also track the program's progress towards its goals and publish updates online.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 03/05/2026)
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/S3746 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3746_I1.HTM |
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