A Senate committee released a bill (sponsored by Senator Gopal) that would direct the Board of Public Utilities to expand community solar program targets by approximately 3,000 megawatts over a multi-year schedule.

Witnesses for the expansion argued community solar is a fast, cost-effective route to increase clean energy access, especially for renters and customers without suitable rooftops. Jesse Sutherland of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters said community solar is “cheaper and faster” than new fossil plants and helps bring energy savings to more residents. Doug O’Malley of Environment New Jersey said community solar can “short circuit” lengthy interconnection queues and cited large annual savings PJM solar generation has delivered to ratepayers.

The Division of Rate Counsel urged caution. Mara Caricelli, managing attorney for the Division, said the board should retain authority to ensure sufficient grid capacity, guard against excessive ratepayer subsidies, and strengthen consumer protections after noting marketing and savings claims in the industry have sometimes lacked transparency. The Division of Rate Counsel recommended further review to ensure the Board can implement the expansion without undue cost to ratepayers.

Stakeholders proposed amendments to broaden participation (dual‑use/agrivoltaics projects and larger brownfield caps) and to ensure the increase complements other grid modernization filings; sponsors encouraged proponents to coordinate with the bill sponsor.

The committee voted to release the bill; recorded roll-call votes showed some opposition but a majority supported moving the measure forward.