SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3123

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 16, 2023

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 3123, with committee amendments.

      This bill, as amended by the committee, would modify the goals for the annual capacity of solar energy projects to be developed under the permanent Community Solar Energy Program (program).  Under the bill, the program's goals would be to develop 225 megawatts of solar energy projects prior to June 2024, an additional 225 megawatts prior to June 2025, and an additional 150 megawatts per year thereafter.

      The bill would also direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to include, in the rules and regulations for the program required to be adopted under current law, requirements and standards concerning the auditing and enforcement of a solar energy project's compliance with the program.

      The committee amendments to the bill:

      (1) provide that the increase in the annual capacity goal of the program would be to 225 megawatts prior to June 1, 2024, an additional 225 megawatts prior to 2025, and an additional 150 megawatts per year thereafter, rather than to 500 megawatts per year; and

      (2) require the BPU to include in its rules and regulations provisions concerning the auditing and enforcement of a solar energy project's compliance with the program.