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Bill > S4574
NJ S4574
NJ S4574Requires BPU to publish third-party energy supplier information on its Internet website; establishes public awareness campaign on retail choice.
summary
Introduced
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
In Committee
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (board) to examine the Internet websites of public utility regulatory bodies in other states with deregulated energy sectors to determine which state has the most helpful and user-friendly information for electric public utility customers and gas public utility customers looking to exercise their right to retail choice. No later than 90 days after making this determination, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the board is to publish information on its Internet website concerning electric power suppliers and gas suppliers that do business in the State, which information is required to: (1) be modeled off the information published on the website of the state selected by the board under the bill; (2) educate the public in plain language on the benefits of exercising retail choice through an electric power supplier or gas supplier; and (3) be published in a user-friendly manner. In addition, the bill requires the board to establish a public awareness campaign to educate electric public utility and gas public utility customers on: (1) the benefits of exercising retail choice; and (2) how to utilize the information pertaining to electric power suppliers and gas suppliers, as updated pursuant to the bill's provisions, on the board's Internet website. In New Jersey, since the enactment of the "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act" in 1999, electric public utility and gas public utility customers have had the ability to exercise retail choice by selecting their own electric power supplier or gas supplier. However, according to the board's Internet website, as of February 2025, only 6.2 percent of the State's residential electric public utility customers and 2.5 percent of the State's residential gas public utility customers obtain their energy supply through an electric power supplier or gas supplier. With this bill, the sponsor intends to better educate the public on its right to exercise retail choice.
AI Summary
This bill requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to enhance transparency and awareness about retail energy choice, which allows consumers to select their own electric power or gas suppliers. Specifically, the BPU must first research websites of other states with deregulated energy markets to identify the most helpful and user-friendly model for presenting energy supplier information. Within 90 days of selecting this model, and quarterly thereafter, the BPU must publish comprehensive information on its website about electric and gas suppliers doing business in New Jersey. This information must be presented in plain language, educate consumers about the benefits of retail choice, and be easily understandable. Additionally, the bill mandates that the BPU establish a public awareness campaign to inform utility customers about retail choice options and how to use the new website resources. The goal is to increase consumer participation in retail choice, which currently remains low (only 6.2% for electric and 2.5% for gas utilities), by providing clear, accessible information about alternative energy supplier options. The bill defines key terms such as "retail choice," "electric power supplier," and "gas supplier" to ensure clarity, and requires the BPU to adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 06/05/2025)
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/S4574 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4574_I1.HTM |
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