Bill
Bill > S1613
NJ S1613
NJ S1613Prohibits certain electric public utility rate increases and requires certain protections for ratepayers.
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 prohibits any electric public utility from increasing the rate charged to ratepayers after the bill's enactment for the purpose of recovering the cost of installing smart meters. Beginning on the date 30 days prior to, and until 30 days after, the effective date of any electric public utility rate increase, the bill requires an electric public utility to publish the following information on its Internet website and in any customer communication, including, but not limited to, a paper or electronic bill: (1) the amount and effective date of the rate increase; (2) the reasons for the rate increase; (3) an explanation of any anticipated impact on ratepayer bills, including, but not limited to, a clear statement of the percentage by which ratepayer bills are expected to increase; and (4) information on how ratepayers can provide feedback on the impact of or file a complaint concerning the rate increase. The Board of Public Utilities (board) is authorized to impose a fine of up to $10,000 if the board finds that an electric public utility violated this requirement. An electric public utility is required to report to the federal Department of Energy any rate increase expected to result in an average increase of five percent or greater of ratepayer bills, no less than 60 days prior to the effective date of the rate increase. Within its report to the Department of Energy, an electric public utility is required to include the following information: (1) the amount and effective date of the rate increase; (2) the reasons for the rate increase; (3) an explanation of any anticipated impact on ratepayer bills, including, but not limited to, a clear statement of the percentage by which ratepayer bills are expected to increase; and (4) any measures the electric public utility may take to mitigate the rate increase's impact on ratepayer bills. An electric public utility is also required to provide to the federal Department of Energy an annual report on: (1) any trends in the duration, location, and cause of an electric public utility's electric service interruptions, including, but not limited to, a summary of electric service interruptions during the preceding calendar year; and (2) any trends in overdue bills from an electric public utility's ratepayers during the preceding calendar year. The bill prohibits an electric public utility from disconnecting electric service to or assessing a late fee for bill nonpayment to any ratepayer affected by a rate increase resulting in an average increase of five percent or greater of ratepayer bills within six months following that rate increase.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits electric public utilities, which are companies that provide electricity to homes and businesses, from raising rates to cover the costs of installing smart meters, which are advanced devices that measure and transmit electricity usage data. It also requires utilities to clearly inform customers about any rate increases by publishing details like the amount, effective date, reasons, and expected impact on bills on their websites and in customer communications, with the Board of Public Utilities (board), the regulatory body overseeing utilities, able to fine utilities up to $10,000 for non-compliance. Furthermore, if a rate increase is expected to raise bills by an average of five percent or more, the utility must notify the federal Department of Energy at least 60 days in advance, providing information on the increase, its reasons, anticipated impact, and any mitigation measures, and also submit annual reports on service interruptions and overdue bills to the same department. Finally, for six months following a rate increase that averages five percent or more, utilities are barred from disconnecting service or charging late fees to affected customers for non-payment.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1613 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1613_I1.HTM |
Loading...