The “Energy Security and Affordability Act” (Bill S2839), introduced in the NJ Senate March 2024, aims to reshape New Jersey’s energy planning by mandating the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prioritize energy security, diversity, and affordability alongside environmental goals when creating the Energy Master Plan. This necessitates a balanced approach considering reliable supply across all regions, a variety of energy sources, and the impact on ratepayer costs. The bill emphasizes the importance of in-state energy generation and consumer choice through transparent incentives.
A significant aspect of the legislation is the requirement for the BPU to conduct and publicly release detailed analyses of both individual energy projects and the comprehensive Energy Master Plan. These analyses must utilize open-source software, meticulously detail cost implications and ratepayer impacts, and incorporate public feedback. The findings will be accessible online for a decade. The bill also modifies the composition of the Energy Master Plan Committee and mandates annual BPU testimony to relevant legislative committees regarding these analyses.
Key Issues:
- Prioritization of Energy Security, Diversity, and Affordability: Elevates these factors alongside environmental concerns in energy planning.
- Cap on Intermittent Energy Sources: Limits intermittent sources (like solar and wind) to a maximum of 50% of the state’s energy portfolio.
- Mandated Detailed Analysis: Requires thorough cost-benefit analyses of energy projects and the Energy Master Plan using open-source tools.
- Enhanced Transparency and Public Input: Demands public comment periods and long-term online availability of analyses.
- Changes to Energy Master Plan Committee: Alters the membership of the committee responsible for developing the plan.
- Increased Legislative Oversight: Requires annual BPU testimony to legislative committees.
Bill S2839 was introduced by primary sponsors Senator Latham Tiver and Anthony M Bucco.
The status and text of the Bill S2839l can be found here: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2839
