summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 requires water utilities, including public utilities, local authorities, and municipal utilities that provide water service and use smart meters, to provide monthly notifications to their smart meter customers about their water usage. These notifications, sent by the end of each month via mail, email, or text message (with prior consent for texts), must include the cost in dollars and the amount in gallons of water used up to two days before the notification is sent. Customers will also have the option to receive additional notices, such as alerts when their usage reaches a set dollar amount or comparisons of their daily usage to previous periods. Initial contact about these new notification requirements will be made through a bill insert or email, which will also explain how to sign up for or opt out of these notices and how to give consent for text messages. Furthermore, all bills sent to smart meter customers must include information about their current and previous billing cycle charges, the difference between them, and any applicable tariffs, fees, or taxes.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S302 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/302_I1.HTM |
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