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Bill > S1845
NJ S1845
NJ S1845Requires public utilities to provide customers notice of request for increase in rates; revises requirements related to hearings on proposed rate increases.
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 that electric, gas, water, and sewer public utilities regulated by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) that have petitioned the BPU for an increase in rates, shall provide notice to individual customers of any hearing or proceeding to be held concerning such a request. Such notice must be provided reasonably in advance of the hearing or proceeding, as determined by board rules or regulations, and shall be conspicuously set forth in writing in or with the bills for service sent by the public utility, or other written notice, to each of its customers and publicized in the public notice section of a newspaper having substantial readership, printed, and published within each county in which the public utility provides service. The bill amends the law concerning public hearings conducted in relation to proposed rate increases by any public utility to provide that such hearings shall be held in the municipality with the largest population that may be affected by the increase. If the increase would affect municipalities in more than one county, the hearings would be held in the municipality with the largest population in each affected county. In addition, the bill directs the BPU to receive and address public questions and comments concerning the proposed rate increase submitted during the public hearing.
AI Summary
This bill requires public utilities, specifically those providing gas, electric, water, or sewer services regulated by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to notify their individual customers about any upcoming hearings or proceedings concerning a proposed increase in rates. This notice must be provided in advance, either included with or attached to customer bills, or sent separately, and also published in newspapers within each affected county. Furthermore, the bill revises the rules for public hearings on rate increases, mandating that these hearings be held in the municipality with the largest population within the affected service area, and if multiple counties are involved, in the largest municipality of each affected county. The BPU is also directed to actively receive and address public questions and comments during these hearings.
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/S1845 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1845_I1.HTM |
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