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Bill > A5661
NJ A5661
NJ A5661Requires public utilities to send certain information concerning rate increases to customers.
summary
Introduced
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires public utilities to inform customers about potential rate increases and how customers can express their support or opposition. The bill requires a public utility that has filed a petition with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to increase an individual rate, joint rate, toll, charge, or schedule thereof, to notify its affected customers of the filing. The notice is to be provided with each customer's first utility bill following the date of the filing and is required to include, at a minimum: (1) a summary of the contents of the public utility's filing; (2) the reasoning for the filing; (3) a statement of the filing's impact on affected customers; (4) information about any public hearings concerning the filing; and (5) how affected customers can testify in support of or in opposition to the filing. The bill also requires public utilities to allow customers to opt in to receive email notifications containing information about hearings related to petitions filed by the public utility with the board to increase an individual rate, joint rate, toll, charge, or schedule thereof. With this bill, the sponsor intends to help the public better know the actions taken by utilities and the BPU, the impacts of actions taken by these entities, and how to communicate the customer's views of the actions with those entities.
AI Summary
This bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to provide detailed notifications to customers when they file a petition with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to increase rates. Specifically, the utility must include a notice with the first customer bill after filing that provides a summary of the proposed rate increase, explains the reasoning behind the increase, describes its potential impact on customers, offers information about upcoming public hearings, and explains how customers can provide testimony for or against the proposed rate change. Additionally, the bill mandates that utilities create an opt-in email notification system to keep customers informed about hearings related to rate increase petitions. The goal of the legislation is to improve transparency and customer awareness about potential utility rate changes, giving consumers more opportunities to understand and potentially challenge proposed increases. The bill defines key terms such as "board" (referring to the BPU) and uses the existing legal definition of "public utility" from state statute. The legislation will take effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 05/08/2025)
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/A5661 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5661_I1.HTM |
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