Murphy greenlights sweeping solar expansion and battery storage plan to cut energy bills across New Jersey
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – With energy bills skyrocketing across the region, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed two major bills on Friday aimed at slashing electricity costs while nearly doubling the state’s clean energy output by the end of the decade.
Framed as a direct response to what the Murphy Administration calls a “regional energy cost crisis,” the legislation will inject 3,000 megawatts of new community solar projects and build out large-scale battery storage targeting 2,000 megawatts of capacity by 2030—making it one of the most ambitious clean energy expansions in the nation. The state expects 450,000 additional residents, including 250,000 low-income families, to gain access to solar power by 2028.
The bills—S4530/A5768 and A5267/S4289—were signed during a union-backed event at IBEW Local 269 in Lawrenceville. The solar measure directs the Board of Public Utilities to open up new solar registration by October 1, aiming to power the equivalent of one million New Jersey homes through community solar projects alone.
The companion legislation establishes an incentive program for large-scale battery storage, a critical piece of infrastructure for storing solar energy during peak hours. The storage plan, which includes transmission-scale projects, is designed to stabilize the grid, ensure reliability during demand spikes, and further drive down energy costs.
The move comes as Murphy ramps up pressure on PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator accused by the administration of contributing to soaring energy costs through what officials describe as poor planning and opaque management practices. Murphy has previously announced a $430 million relief package for ratepayers and demanded a federal investigation into PJM’s handling of grid operations.
The Governor’s office said the new legislation is expected to create thousands of union jobs while accelerating clean energy deployment. Under Murphy’s tenure, the state has already more than doubled its solar capacity from 2.4 to 5.2 gigawatts.
Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said the measures will deliver long-term stability and cost relief, particularly for lower-income residents. She added that utility bill savings would be one of the most immediate benefits of expanding community solar participation.
With today’s signing, New Jersey joins the front ranks of states aggressively investing in solar and energy storage infrastructure as tools to shield residents from volatile energy markets and regional supply shortfalls.
The laws go into effect immediately.
Key Points
- Governor Murphy signed bills to add 3,000 megawatts of community solar and 2,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2030
- New solar access expected for 450,000 residents, including 250,000 low-income families
- State escalates pressure on grid operator PJM amid ongoing regional energy cost crisis
Murphy’s clean energy blitz aims to power a million homes and beat back spiking energy bills.