Every week, Stateside Associates will feature energy-related legislative, regulatory, and federal programs impacting state and local public policies and proceedings, including upcoming Groups events, activities, and conversations in This Week in Energy.
For more information on our Energy Practice, please contact Taylor Beis.
Generation
In New Jersey AB 5395, also known as the “Clean Firm Energy Reliability Act”, was introduced on September 10. The measure directs the Board of Public Utilities to create a procurement program for clean, dispatchable, zero- or near-zero emission energy resources, including advanced nuclear reactors, funded through a mandatory charge on electric utility customers. The measure was referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
Affordability
Michigan’s SB 1171, introduced on September 10, requires electric utilities to reimburse tenants up to $200, or full actual costs for food spoilage, lodging, and related expenses, following extended service interruptions. The bill also requires full reimbursement to local governments for emergency response and municipal outage costs. The measure was referred to the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.
Also in Michigan, SB 1172 requires electric utilities to automatically provide customers with a $100 or $200 bill credit if they experience four or more service interruptions lasting an hour or longer within a 12-month period, with credit amounts tied to inflation adjustments every five years. The measure was referred to the Senate Energy and Environment Committee on September 10.
Large Load and Data Centers
AB 5396, introduced on September 10 in New Jersey, requires operators of data centers with a peak electrical load of 25 MW or higher to submit an emergency contingency plan to their host municipality within 12 months, detailing strategies for mitigating operational disruptions and water supply emergencies through alternative cooling or water conservation measures. The measure was referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
Electricity and Market Issues
Indiana’s Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications is meeting on September 29 to assess the response of electric utilities to major emergency situations. The review focuses on utility performance during the August 11 derecho event and recent service outages across Northwest Indiana.
Permitting and Siting
Massachusetts’ HB 5641, introduced on August 4, authorizes the town of Becket to establish a temporary six-month moratorium on large-scale solar installations and standalone battery energy storage systems. The bill requires the town to use the moratorium period to study and potentially revise local zoning bylaws to ensure the protection of ecological resources. The measure is scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government on September 21.
In Texas, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee is scheduled to meet on September 30 to evaluate proposals for improving transmission planning, enhancing grid infrastructure through energy storage and distributed energy resources, and reviewing interconnection process changes for ERCOT.
GROUPS EVENTS
Southern States Energy Board
Annual Meeting
September 21-23, 2026
Biloxi, MS
Contact: Juan Gomez
National Association of Counties
Energy Symposium
September 23-25, 2026
Armstrong, Carson and Potter Counties, TX
Contact: Taylor Beis
For more information on upcoming events, contact Taylor Beis.
