ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5742

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 11, 2025

      The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5742.

      As amended and reported, this bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adopt certain rules and regulations to establish a three-year pilot program, to be known as the “Roadside Right-of-Way Solar Energy Pilot Program” (pilot program), to permit the construction, installation, and operation of roadside right-of-way solar energy projects (projects).  Under the bill, BPU is permitted to extend the pilot program for up to an additional two 12-month periods if BPU, in consultation with the Department of Transportation (DOT), determines that an extension is necessary to adequately evaluate the pilot program’s performance.  The bill also outlines a procedure for the expansion of the pilot program into a permanent program and authorizes BPU to adopt certain rules and regulations to facilitate the expansion.

     To participate in the pilot program, the owner of a project is required to apply to BPU and DOT and, once approved, obtain any other necessary approvals that may be required under federal, State, or local law for the construction of the project.  BPU, in consultation with DOT, is required to review and, within 180 days after receipt, approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions an owner’s application under the pilot program.  BPU and DOT are to review applications based on certain criteria outlined in the bill.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to: 

      (1)  change the defined term “public utility” to “electric public utility”;

      (2)  define “pilot program”;

      (3)  update the bill’s title and synopsis; and

      (4)  make technical changes.