General Assembly Advances Democratic-Sponsored Bills to Ease the Cost of Utilities

The legislation would expand eligibility for utility assistance and make it easier to access cost-saving programs

(TRENTON) — As summer approaches and air conditioners begin to hum across New Jersey, utilities are a top of mind for residents throughout the Garden State. Today, the General Assembly responded to these concerns by advancing a series of bills aimed at ensuring that New Jerseyans receive the help they need to pay their bills. The legislation includes measures to streamline access to utility assistance programs and expand eligibility requirements, allowing more residents to qualify for support. These bills represent the latest efforts by Assembly Democrats to address energy affordability.

“Our constituents have reached out to us with concerns about rising utility costs, and today’s votes are a direct response to those concerns,” said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Chair of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “No one should have to worry about losing access to essential services like water or electricity, especially as temperatures soar. This is particularly important for older adults, families with young children, and individuals facing economic hardship.”

Among the bills passed was legislation specifically designed to help ratepayers.

Bill A5435, sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tully, Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Balvir Singh, would make it easier for customers to apply for help. Specifically, the bill would direct the Division of Housing and Community Resources in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and applicable State and nonprofits that administer their own utility assistance to establish a consolidated, user-friendly website-based application for residential utility assistance programs on the DCA’s website.

Bill A5733, sponsored by Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Kevin Egan and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, would require State agencies that administer utility bill payment assistance programs or energy efficiency programs to review the program and if deemed appropriate, increase the qualifying income threshold. If the threshold for low-income eligibility is increased, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) would have to assess and possibly expand the threshold for moderate-income energy efficiency programs to ensure customers are only eligible for one program. This legislation would provide relief to the many families who are facing high-energy costs and do not currently qualify for support from utility assistance programs. 

Assemblyman DeAngelo added, “By voting to expand the eligibility criteria for utility assistance programs and make the application process for that assistance more accessible, we are taking critical steps towards ensuring residents can afford to keep the lights on.”

Other bills included A5264, A5442, A5463, and A5466. These would, respectively: streamline the application for the installation of solar energy systems; require BPU members to have suitable experience for the role; require public utilities to submit their recorded votes at meetings of PJM Interconnection to BPU; and direct the BPU to study the impact of data centers on electricity costs. PJM is the state's electric grid operator. 

In addition to their legislative efforts, Assembly Democrats have taken a variety of steps to assist their constituents, including hosting Utility Assistance Days, where they have brought agencies and organizations to local spaces to help constituents apply for assistance with their utility bills & learn about additional resources. This has provided some relief for residents struggling to pay their bills.