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Bill > S1936
NJ S1936
NJ S1936Provides electric public utility customers' right to decline installation of smart meter under certain circumstances.
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 an electric public utility (utility) from installing a "smart meter," as that term is defined in the bill, at a customer's premises prior to the utility providing written notice to the customer, in a manner determined by the Board of Public Utilities, no less than 90 days prior to the scheduled installation of a smart meter. The bill allows a utility customer to decline the utility's request to install a smart meter at the customer's premises for the duration of the customer's account with the utility. If a utility customer elects to decline having a smart meter installed at the customer's premises within 30 days of receiving written notice from the utility, the utility is not to assess the customer a fee, penalty, or service charge for that decision for the duration of the customer's account. If a utility customer elects to decline having a smart meter installed at the customer's premises after 30 days but within 90 days of receiving written notice from the utility, the utility is not to assess the customer a fee, penalty, or service charge of more than $100 for that decision for the duration of the customer's account.
AI Summary
This bill ensures that electric public utility customers have the right to refuse the installation of a "smart meter," which is defined as an advanced electric meter capable of providing detailed, real-time usage information and pricing data, recording hourly usage, reporting supply status, and remotely connecting or disconnecting service. Before a utility can install a smart meter, they must provide customers with at least 90 days' written notice, following guidelines set by the Board of Public Utilities, which is the state agency overseeing utilities. Customers can opt out of smart meter installation for the entire duration of their account. If a customer declines within 30 days of receiving notice, no fees will be charged. If they decline between 30 and 90 days after receiving notice, a fee of no more than $100 may be assessed.
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
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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/S1936 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1936_I1.HTM |
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