The bill mandates the Board of Public Utilities to adopt rules governing the implementation of the Community Power Storage Program, including establishing capacity limits, registration goals, and ensuring equitable access. A target of 250 megawatts of energy storage capacity is set to be registered by June 2026, with a total of 2,000 megawatts planned in subsequent years. This program seeks to incentivize the development of energy storage technology and integrate it into the state's electric infrastructure, potentially enhancing renewable energy utilization and reliability.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5881 establishes the 'Community Power Storage Program' in New Jersey, aimed at allowing customers of electric public utilities to participate in energy storage projects located remotely. These projects would provide utility bill credits to customers based on the amount of energy discharged to the electric grid, thus enabling customers to benefit from renewable energy sources without needing to install on-site storage solutions. The bill is introduced with the intention of increasing access to energy storage, particularly for low- and moderate-income customers.
Contention
Debate surrounding A5881 centers on concerns over how the program will be funded and its long-term viability. Critics argue that relying on electric utilities for cost recovery might lead to increased utility rates for all customers, particularly impacting those who do not participate in the program. Moreover, there are discussions on the program potentially favoring urban areas at the expense of rural communities, leading to disparities in energy access and equity among different geographic regions. Stakeholders are particularly focused on ensuring that the benefits of the program are distributed fairly across socio-economic lines.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy and energy efficiency programs for overburdened communities.
Energy: alternative sources; distributed generation program; eliminate modified net metering and cap on system capacity, increase cap on peak load, and provide for fair value tariffs and standard-offer contracts. Amends secs. 5, 7, 9, 13, 173, 175, 177 & 179 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1005 et seq.) & repeals sec. 183 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1183).
Relating to the planning for, interconnection and operation of, and costs related to providing service for certain electrical loads and to the generation of electric power by a water supply or sewer service corporation.
Public utilities: electric utilities; long-term industrial load rates; prohibit from being subject to securitization charges. Amends sec. 10gg of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.10gg).