Bill
Bill > A5058
NJ A5058
NJ A5058Requires electric public utilities to submit transmission project proposal to BPU for approval.
summary
Introduced
12/09/2024
12/09/2024
In Committee
12/09/2024
12/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires an electric public utility to submit a transmission project proposal (proposal) to the Board of Public Utilities (board) for approval prior to undertaking a transmission project. The proposal is required to, at a minimum: (1) identify the project's potential impact on the environment, scenic sights, historic sites, and public safety; (2) document all costs associated with undertaking the project; (3) indicate whether the project meets a demonstrated need, which need may be established by the project's provision of certain public benefits; and (4) identify alternative project ideas, if any, that meet the same demonstrated need but for a lower total project cost. Within 90 days of the board's receipt of a proposal, the board is required to determine if the proposal is reasonable, within the public interest, and cost effective. In addition, the board is required to approve the proposal if the board determines that the proposal is reasonable, within the public interest, and cost effective. Under the bill, a "transmission project" is defined to mean a project undertaken by an electric public utility to construct a new transmission line or modify an existing transmission line. It is the sponsor's intent to require an electric public utility to receive approval from the board prior to undertaking a transmission project in response to the testimony provided by the Director of the Division of Rate Counsel (director) during the October 2, 2024 Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee meeting. The director indicated in his testimony that requiring board review of transmission projects prior to their start could reduce transmission costs by ensuring that each transmission project is needed and is the lowest cost solution.
AI Summary
This bill requires electric public utilities to submit a detailed transmission project proposal to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for approval before constructing or modifying transmission lines. The proposal must comprehensively outline the project's potential environmental and public safety impacts, document all associated costs, demonstrate a clear need for the project (such as improved reliability or economic development), and identify any alternative project ideas that could meet the same need at a lower total cost. Within 90 days of receiving the proposal, the BPU must review it, provide an opportunity for public input, and determine whether the project is reasonable, in the public interest, and cost-effective. If the BPU finds the proposal meets these criteria, it must approve the project. The bill aims to ensure that transmission projects are thoroughly vetted and represent the most efficient and necessary infrastructure investments, potentially reducing transmission costs by preventing unnecessary or overly expensive projects. The Board of Public Utilities is also required to develop specific guidelines and regulations to implement this review process, drawing on established administrative procedures.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 12/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5058 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5058_I1.HTM |
Loading...