Bill
Bill > A5719
NJ A5719
NJ A5719Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.
summary
Introduced
05/17/2021
05/17/2021
In Committee
05/17/2021
05/17/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022
01/11/2022
Introduced Session
2020-2021 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits public utilities (utilities) providing electric, gas, water, and sewer utility services to residential customers from discontinuing those services following the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) public health state of emergency. The bill prohibits a utility from discontinuing, curtailing, or abandoning service for the sole reason of residential customer service bill nonpayment for 180 days following the expiration of the COVID-19 public health state of emergency. Instead, a public utility is required to enter into a deferred payment agreement with the residential customer under terms and conditions established by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). At a minimum, the terms and conditions established by the BPU will allow residential customers to make monthly payments to the utility over a period of at least 48 months. As long as a residential customer complies with the terms and conditions of the deferred repayment plan, a utility cannot discontinue service.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits public utilities (utilities) providing electric, gas, water, and sewer services to residential customers from discontinuing those services for 180 days following the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Instead, utilities must enter into deferred payment agreements with residential customers, allowing them to make monthly payments over at least 48 months. As long as the customer complies with the deferred payment plan, the utility cannot discontinue service. The bill also extends these provisions to medical customers who use life-sustaining equipment powered by electricity.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee (on 05/17/2021)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| BillText | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A9999/5719_I1.HTM |
| Bill | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A9999/5719_I1.PDF |
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