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Bill > S120
NJ S120
NJ S120Requires electric public utility to reimburse residential customer for cost of food and prescription medicine spoiled or compromised as a result of sustained electric service outage.
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 would require an electric public utility to reimburse a residential customer for the cost of food and prescription medicine that spoils or is compromised as a result of a sustained power outage. Under the bill, a customer whose food spoils due to a lack of refrigeration caused by a sustained power outage would be entitled to a reimbursement of up to $500 for the amount paid for the food that spoiled. A customer whose prescription medicine is compromised due to a lack of refrigeration caused by a sustained power outage would be entitled to a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the amount paid for the prescription medicine that is compromised. In both cases, a customer would be required to submit to the electric public utility an itemized list of losses and proof of loss, as specified in the bill. No later than 90 days after the effective date of the bill, each electric public utility in the State would be required to develop and implement a system for customers of the electric public utility to apply for a reimbursement online via the electric public utility's Internet website. Applications for a reimbursement would be made in a form and manner as determined by the Board of Public Utilities. The board would be authorized to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires electric public utilities to reimburse residential customers for food and prescription medicine spoiled or compromised due to a sustained power outage, which is defined as an electric service interruption lasting more than 48 consecutive hours after a "major event" like a storm or natural disaster. Customers can receive up to $500 for spoiled food and up to $1,000 for compromised prescription medicine, provided they submit an itemized list of losses and proof of purchase, such as receipts or photos. Within 90 days of the bill's effective date, utilities must establish an online system for customers to apply for these reimbursements, with applications to be processed within 30 days of receipt, and the Board of Public Utilities, which oversees utility regulation, is authorized to create further rules to implement these provisions.
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/S120 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/120_I1.HTM |
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