Bill > S3620

This bill requires electric and gas public utilities that use smart meters to establish an "Energy Bill Watch" program to help customers better understand and track their energy usage and costs. Under this program, utilities must send customers two notifications per billing cycle (on the 10th and 20th days) via text message or email, detailing their current electricity or gas usage in both dollar amount and energy units (kilowatt hours or therms). Customers will also have the option to set a dollar threshold for usage alerts and receive comparative usage reports between billing cycles. Utilities must automatically enroll all smart meter customers in the program, advertise it through multiple channels like social media and their websites, and provide customers with the ability to customize notifications or opt out. Additionally, the bill mandates that utility bills include the dollar amount charged in the previous and current billing cycles, along with the difference between those amounts, and break down all charges including tariffs, fees, taxes, and distribution costs. The law defines key terms such as "smart meter" as an electronic device that records and wirelessly transmits utility usage data, and applies to both electric and gas utilities that distribute energy to end users in New Jersey. The program is set to be implemented within 90 days of the law's effective date.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3620