NJ S2718

State agencies administering utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs must review income eligibility thresholds within one year after the Board of Public Utilities issues its final order in the "Addressing New Jersey Energy Affordability for Low- and Moderate-Income Households" proceeding (Docket No. QO241108531).

Agencies affected include the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, Board of Public Utilities, and any other relevant State agency, with authority to increase income thresholds if determined appropriate.

Reviews must consider alignment of low-income and moderate-income thresholds across programs, alternate thresholds such as State median income, and the aggregate cost and impacts of proposed increases.

Agencies must request public comment or seek assistance from other State agencies when determining appropriate income threshold increases.

If low-income energy efficiency program thresholds are increased, the Board of Public Utilities must assess whether changes are needed to moderate-income program thresholds to prevent dual eligibility and expand access to moderate-income programs.