New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S201

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

Impact

The implementation of the REEF program is expected to advance New Jersey's efforts in promoting energy efficiency and transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions. State entities, local units, and school districts will be able to apply for loans to finance energy improvement projects, which are designed to lower energy costs over time. The financial assistance provided could encourage the adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies, significantly impacting public infrastructure and operational costs.

Summary

Senate Bill S201, known as the Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Act, aims to establish a program within the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to provide financial support for energy efficiency improvements in state, local, and school district buildings. The legislation requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to transfer up to $20 million annually from funds collected through a societal benefits charge to facilitate the implementation of this program. The focus is on enhancing energy efficiency while reducing costs associated with energy consumption.

Contention

While the expected benefits of improved energy efficiency and reduced long-term energy costs are widely supported, there might be concerns regarding the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the program's management. Questions may arise about how the projects will be prioritized, the criteria for funding approval, and ensuring that the money is utilized efficiently. This could lead to debates on governmental oversight and the degree of autonomy given to the NJIB and BPU in the management of these funds.

Companion Bills

NJ S419

Carry Over Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A4131

Carry Over Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

Previously Filed As

NJ S419

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A4131

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A574

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S218

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S886

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A1474

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A3139

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S3467

Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program.

NJ S3603

Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program.

NJ A5255

Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program.

Similar Bills

NJ A4131

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S419

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A574

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A1474

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S218

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S886

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A3139

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

CA SB5

Affordable Housing and Community Development Investment Program.