Provides for State agency reviews and increases of income thresholds for residential customers to participate in certain utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs.

Household energy aid income limits reviewed

New Jersey agencies must review household income limits for utility bill help and energy-efficiency programs active on January 12, 2026. Reviews are due by January 12, 2027. Responsible agencies include Community Affairs, Human Services, the Board of Public Utilities, and other agencies running these programs. Agencies must raise limits when they find an increase appropriate; the law sets no new limit or guaranteed eligibility expansion. Reviews must consider matching income limits across programs, alternatives such as State median income, and total costs and effects. Agencies must request public comments or seek help from other State agencies. If low-income energy-efficiency limits rise, the utilities board must assess whether guidance is needed for utilities’ three-year efficiency programs. That review addresses keeping customers eligible for only one energy-efficiency assistance program and expanding moderate-income access where appropriate. The law took effect January 12, 2026, and expires when the final required income-limit increase occurs.