Bill > A4817

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 manage their utility usage and costs. Under this program, utilities must notify smart meter customers via text message or email on the 10th and 20th day of each billing cycle about their current electricity or gas usage, including the dollar amount spent and the quantity of energy consumed (in kilowatt hours or therms). Customers will have the option to set personalized cost thresholds for notifications and can choose to receive comparisons of their current usage with previous billing cycles. The utilities must automatically enroll all smart meter customers in the program and advertise it through multiple channels like email, social media, their website, and customer bills. 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 distribution fees, third-party services, and taxes. Smart meter customers can opt out of the program if they choose. The goal is to provide greater transparency and help customers make more informed decisions about their energy consumption.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4817