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Bill > S3937


NJ S3937

NJ S3937
Requires public utility to charge volunteer emergency service organization residential rate.


summary

Introduced
12/09/2024
In Committee
12/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires a public utility to charge a volunteer emergency service organization a residential rate for service delivered to the property at which the volunteer emergency service organization primarily operates, if the residential rate is lower than the commercial rate for the service at that property. In consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, a public utility is to establish a reasonable procedure for an organization to certify itself as a volunteer emergency service organization with the public utility for this purpose. Under the bill, "volunteer emergency service organization" means an organization that relies on volunteer members to provide emergency services, including, but not limited to, fire department, first aid, emergency, ambulance, or rescue squad services.

AI Summary

This bill requires public utilities to charge volunteer emergency service organizations (such as fire departments, first aid squads, and ambulance services that rely on volunteer members) the lower residential rate instead of the commercial rate for utility services at their primary operating property. The bill mandates that public utilities, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, establish a reasonable process for these organizations to certify themselves as qualifying for the residential rate. By defining "public utility" by reference to existing law and specifying that the term "volunteer emergency service organization" includes various types of emergency response groups, the bill aims to reduce operating costs for these critical community service providers. The legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment, allowing qualifying organizations to potentially benefit from lower utility rates as soon as they can successfully certify their status with their local utility provider.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 12/09/2024)

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