summary
Introduced
10/27/2025
10/27/2025
In Committee
10/27/2025
10/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires each water public utility, local authority, and municipal utility that provides water service (water utility) and utilizes smart meters to notify all smart meter customers by the last day of each month via mail, electronic mail, or text message of: (1) the cost in dollars of the smart meter customer's water usage for the billing cycle up to the time at most two days before which the notification is sent; and (2) the amount in gallons of the smart meter customer's water usage for the billing cycle up to the time at most two days before which the notification is sent. Each water utility that utilizes smart meters is also required to provide all smart meter customers with the option to receive additional notices concerning the customers' monthly water usage, as outlined in the bill. In addition, the bill requires each water utility that utilizes smart meters to make initial contact with a smart meter customer regarding notices issued under the bill through a bill insert sent via mail or electronic mail, which bill insert is to include certain instructions for smart meter customers regarding notifications. The bill prohibits water utilities from issuing text message notifications under the bill to smart meter customers unless the smart meter customer has given prior, express consent to receive text message notifications for the purposes of the bill. Finally, the bill requires each water utility that utilizes smart meters to include certain information regarding water usage and water utility tariffs in each bill issued to a water utility's smart meter customer.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive notification requirements for water utilities that use smart meters (electronic devices that measure and record water usage data wirelessly) for residential customers. The bill mandates that water public utilities, local authorities, and municipal utilities must send monthly notifications to smart meter customers by the last day of each month via mail, email, or text message, detailing the customer's water usage in dollars and gallons. Customers will have the option to set usage threshold alerts and receive comparative usage notices between billing cycles. Utilities must initially inform customers about these notification options through a bill insert sent by mail or email, and they are prohibited from sending text message notifications without the customer's express consent. Additionally, each bill issued to smart meter customers must include detailed cost information, including the previous and current billing cycle charges, the difference between those charges, and any applicable tariffs, fees, or taxes. The bill defines key terms like "smart meter," "smart meter customer," and specifies the types of water utilities covered. The new requirements will take effect 90 days after the bill's enactment, giving utilities time to prepare and implement the new notification systems.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 10/27/2025)
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/S4773 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4773_I1.HTM |
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