NJ A6253

Bill

Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service during coronavirus 2019 state of emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.

Introduced
12/11/2025

In Committee
12/11/2025

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits public utilities (utilities) providing electric, gas, water, and sewer utility services to residential customers from discontinuing those services following the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) state of emergency. The bill prohibits a utility from discontinuing, curtailing, or abandoning service for the sole reason of residential customer service bill nonpayment for 180 days following the expiration of the COVID-19 state of emergency. Instead, a public utility is required to enter into a deferred payment agreement with the residential customer under terms and conditions established by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). At a minimum, the terms and conditions established by the BPU will allow residential customers to make monthly payments to the utility over a period of at least 48 months. As long as a residential customer complies with the terms and conditions of the deferred repayment plan, a utility cannot discontinue service.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits public utilities (companies that provide essential services like electricity, gas, water, and sewer) from discontinuing residential service for non-payment during and for 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency. Instead, utilities must offer deferred payment agreements to residential customers, allowing them to pay their outstanding bills over at least 48 months (4 years). The bill specifically amends existing laws to ensure that as long as customers comply with the agreed-upon payment plan, their services cannot be shut off. The legislation also applies these protections to medical customers who use life-sustaining equipment powered by electricity, providing an additional layer of protection for vulnerable residents. The bill defines a "public utility emergency" as a condition that poses a potential danger to life, health, or property, which would be the only circumstance under which a utility could interrupt service during this period. By offering extended payment terms and preventing service discontinuation, the bill aims to provide financial relief and protection for residential customers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (1)

Gabriel Rodriguez (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 12/11/2025)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6253

(2 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6253
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6253_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
S189	Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee	Carry Over
S271	Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee	Same As

Bill > A6253

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary