ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4836

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 4, 2026

      The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4836.

      As reported, this bill exempts portable solar generation devices from certain interconnection, net metering, and other requirements.  The bill also requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to adopt certain rules and regulations concerning portable solar generation devices.

     Under the bill, portable solar generation devices are exempted from:  any requirement to obtain or execute an interconnection agreement prior to operating the device pursuant to the “Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act” (EDECA) or any other law; and from net metering program requirements under EDECA or any other law.  In addition, the bill prohibits electric public utilities from requiring a customer using a portable solar generation device to:  (1) obtain the utility’s approval before installing or using the device; (2) pay any fee or charge related to the device; or (3) install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device.  The bill also provides that electric public utilities are not to be held liable for any damage or injury caused by a customer’s use of a portable solar generation device.

     Finally, the bill requires the DCA to adopt a portable solar generation device addendum to, or amendments to revise, the electrical subcode or other model code adopted pursuant to the “State Uniform Construction Code Act” to provide guidance concerning wiring or modifying homes to accommodate the use of commercially-available portable solar generation devices.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 4836 is identical to Senate Bill No. 2368 (1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.