Gov. Phil Murphy signed two landmark bills into law late last week, setting in motion a major expansion of New Jersey’s clean energy programs to combat the regional energy cost crisis. The legislation will nearly double the state’s clean energy capacity by 2030, with a focus on solar and energy storage.
The new laws aim to provide affordable and reliable power while reducing monthly electric bills for residents and businesses. The signing ceremony, held at IBEW Local 269, was attended by legislative sponsors, union members, and energy advocates.
The first bill, S4530/A5768, directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to open registration for an additional 3,000 megawatts (MW) of community solar projects by Oct. 1. This expansion is designed to make solar power accessible to an additional 450,000 New Jerseyans, including a significant portion of low-income families, bringing the total number of households powered by solar to the equivalent of one million by 2028.
The second bill, A5267/S4289, establishes a new incentive program to achieve the state’s goal of 2,000 MW of transmission-scale energy storage by 2030, which is one of the most ambitious targets in the nation. The program is designed to rapidly build new clean energy infrastructure to reduce costs and enhance grid stability.
The governor emphasized the immediate benefits of the legislation. “Today, we are taking immediate and far-reaching steps to lower energy costs for every household in New Jersey,” Murphy said. He highlighted that the initiatives would also create well-paying, union jobs and build a more resilient energy future.
The administration’s new policies come in the wake of rising energy costs attributed to PJM, the regional grid operator. The Murphy administration has previously called for a formal investigation into the crisis and has taken other measures, including providing direct financial relief to ratepayers and demanding increased transparency from PJM.
Senators Gopal, McKeon, Smith, and Burzichelli, along with Assemblymembers Peterpaul, Donlon, Karabinchak, DeAngelo, Bailey, and Egan, were the prime sponsors of the legislation. They all underscored the bills’ potential to provide rate relief, promote energy independence, and fortify New Jersey’s power grid against future price spikes and demand fluctuations.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of the NJBPU, praised the legislation for directly addressing real problems.
“More New Jerseyans will get access to the benefits of expanded community solar programs—one of the best ways for residents to lower their utility bills,” she said. She added that the new battery storage facilities would “strengthen our electric grid and keep the lights on when we need it most.”
