Committee backs bill to raise community solar targets; Rate Counsel urges careful cost review

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee on June 25 amended and released AB 5768 to require the Board of Public Utilities to revise community solar program targets, adding an additional 3,000 megawatts to the board's goals beginning in August of the year the bill takes effect.

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters and environmental groups testified in favor, saying community solar is currently among the cheapest and fastest ways to add clean energy and that expansions can increase access for renters and low-income households. "Community solar is critical because it allows for a just transition and equal access to clean energy," Jasmine Teles said.

Division of Rate Counsel Director Brian Littman said Rate Counsel supports community solar when it is cost-effective but urged caution. He said it is unclear whether sufficient solar capacity exists to meet the 3,000-megawatt requirement within the program's siting limits, and that each subsidized megawatt imposes a cost allocated to all ratepayers. "There is a cost to community solar, and the board needs some authority to ensure that this significant increase will not be too large a burden on rate payers," Littman said.

Developers before the committee sought amendments to allow dual-use agrivoltaics projects, to remove caps for contaminated-site projects that commonly exceed size limits, and to permit municipal or county-owned lands. The sponsor and staff acknowledged those proposals and agreed to follow-up discussions.

On a roll-call vote the committee released the bill; several members abstained pending further review of effects on supply and interaction with broader generation strategy. The committee requested follow-up from sponsors and regulatory staff about capacity, siting constraints and consumer protections for marketing community-solar subscriptions.