SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2556

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 10, 2025

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2556.

      This bill would require the installation of a smart thermostat in all new residential construction.  For the purposes of this bill, a “smart thermostat” is defined as a thermostat with a wireless Internet connection, which may be used alone or as part of a larger home automation platform.  This type of thermostat is also commonly known as a “wi-fi thermostat.”

      In order to obtain a construction permit for new residential construction, an applicant would be required to include provisions in the construction permit application for the installation of a smart thermostat in each residential unit to be constructed.

      The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, to adopt regulations to effectuate the purposes of this bill.  These regulations would include energy efficiency standards for smart thermostats.

      This bill would take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment into law.