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Bill > A5398
NJ A5398
NJ A5398Prohibits electric public utility residential rate increases during summer and gas public utility residential rate increases during winter.
summary
Introduced
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits residential rate increases for electric public utilities during the summer and gas public utilities during the winter when natural gas and electric usage peaks among utility customers. Specifically, under the bill, no electric public utility rate increase for residential ratepayers is authorized to go into effect during the summer season from June 1 through August 31 (summer) and no gas public utility rate increase for residential ratepayers is authorized to go into effect during the winter season from January 1 through March 31 (winter). During the last year, the Board of Public Utilities (board) authorized electric and gas rate increases just before the peak cooling and heating seasons. Such rate increases have caused rate shock among consumers and forced many to prioritize their spending. It is the sponsor's intent to make the board aware of the impact that the timing of rate increases have on residential ratepayers and to encourage the board to work with the public to stabilize consumer energy bills.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits electric and gas public utilities from implementing residential rate increases during peak usage seasons, specifically blocking electric rate hikes during the summer months (June 1 through August 31) and gas rate increases during the winter months (January 1 through March 31). The bill defines key terms such as "Board" (referring to the Board of Public Utilities), "electric public utility" (a utility distributing electricity to end users in the state), and "gas public utility" (a utility distributing gas to end users in the state). The legislation aims to provide relief to residential customers by preventing utility rate increases during periods when energy consumption is highest and consumers are most financially vulnerable, addressing concerns about "rate shock" that can force residents to prioritize spending. The bill overrides any existing laws, rules, or regulations that might otherwise permit such rate increases, and it takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 03/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5398 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5398_I1.HTM |
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