Newsroom & Public Notices
NJBPU Approves Proposed Rule to Establish Community Solar Energy Pilot Program
| For Immediate Release: | Contact: Peter Peretzman |
| Date: 08/29/2018 | 609-984-9707 |
The Pilot Program will create an opportunity for access to solar for households that have been previously excluded from participating due to an abundance of shading, unsuitable roofing conditions, or those who are simply unable to afford solar panels. As such, the Pilot Program will earmark 40 percent of the overall program capacity for low- and moderate-income (LMI) projects.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the social justice element at the Pilot Program’s core.
“We must ensure that these policies, which are intended to improve the environment for all residents, do not keep any population in the margins,” said the Governor.
“This is why our immediate goal of addressing the needs of our population who have not had access to solar in the past, particularly New Jersey’s low- and moderate-income customers, is so important," added NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso.
The proposed rule will also provide the opportunity for the development of a new market for solar generation. The Pilot Program will generate actual market information and data that will be used to inform the development of a full-scale Community Solar Energy Program within three years.
The rule sets the annual capacity limit for community solar projects approved for participation in the Pilot Program at 75 megawatts for the first year of the Pilot Program and at least 75 megawatts for the second and third years. The Board will develop and publish an application for projects wishing to participate in the Pilot Program.
The proposed rule will be published in the New Jersey Register. A 60-day comment period will follow the rule’s publication.
About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
The NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by the NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents.
To find out more about the NJBPU, visit our web site at www.nj.gov/bpu.
About the New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)
NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.
