An Assembly committee has advanced legislation to revise the law that allows New Jersey to make energy improvements without large upfront expenses.

The bill permits state agencies, local governments, and school districts to enter into contracts for energy projects that are considered the most advantageous proposal without having to be the lowest bid. Subcontractors would be required to pay their workers at least the minimum wage.

Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula says private companies will do the work and get paid from the energy savings the projects produce.

 “Unlike the other programs where you need to have ratepayer subsidization, here we have this program that is going to attract private capital, create the jobs, and reduce the energy that is required to run those public facilities.”

Chivukula expects the program will help stimulate the solar and geothermal industries.

Assemblyman Troy Singleton says the measure will have a variety of benefits.

 “It is a job creator on steroids in my opinion. It is going to put a lot of people to work. Beyond that it will spur environmental protection and safeguard our environment through the use of better technology.”