BPU grants narrow ADI waiver for homeowner self‑installer and authorizes temporary waiver tied to federal ITC changes

The Board approved two related actions affecting New Jersey’s Administratively Determined Incentive (ADI) program. First, staff recommended and the board granted a waiver of NJAC 14:8‑11.4(b) and (c) to allow a residential self‑installer, Edward Jenks, to register his full system and receive ADI incentives without installing a second net meter. Staff said the narrow, fact‑specific waiver reduces ratepayer cost and resolves the petitioner’s unique circumstances.

Second, staff described a surge in ADI registrations following federal changes (HR 1) that advanced the residential clean energy tax credit termination and moved commercial begin‑construction deadlines, producing time pressure for developers to meet Internal Revenue Service thresholds. To mitigate administrative delays and allow projects to meet federal deadlines, staff recommended — and the board approved — a temporary waiver of NJAC 14:8‑11.4B to permit projects that submit a complete initial registration package to begin construction prior to receiving conditional registration. The waiver is effective immediately and expires on Dec. 31, 2025 for residential and net‑metered nonresidential projects; staff may extend the waiver for commercial projects through July 4, 2026 if IRS guidance warrants it.

Staff also urged EDCs to expedite interconnection processing for residential customers where feasible. Commissioners thanked staff for finding flexibility while noting the need to monitor implementation and IRS guidance.