Bill
Bill > A3249
NJ A3249
NJ A3249Requires electric public utilities to apply to BPU for certificate of public convenience and necessity prior to undertaking transmission project.
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 an electric public utility (utility) to submit an application to the Board of Public Utilities (board) for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (certificate) prior to undertaking a transmission project (project) in New Jersey, which application is required to include any information deemed necessary by the board and an application fee in an amount determined by the board. After receiving a completed application, the bill requires the board to issue a board order with its decision regarding the application, its authorization for the utility to construct the project, and a manner and timeframe in which the utility is to complete the project. The board is to act on an application within 150 days and, in certain circumstances, permits the board to extend this 150-day deadline by an additional period not to exceed 75 days. To make its determination, the board is required to consider whether: (1) the project is necessary to provide adequate, reliable, and efficient service to the utility's customers and is the least-cost means of satisfying the service needs of the utility's customers or that the project will promote the development of an effectively competitive electricity market that operates efficiently, is equitable to all customers, and is the least-cost means of satisfying those objectives; (2) the utility is capable of efficiently managing and supervising the construction process and has taken sufficient action to ensure adequate and efficient construction and supervision of the construction; and (3) the utility is capable of financing the proposed construction without significant adverse financial consequences for the utility or its customers. Under the bill, "transmission project" means a project undertaken by an electric public utility to construct a new transmission line or modify an existing transmission line. This term does not include projects that have already been deemed necessary and approved by PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. through a needs assessment.
AI Summary
This bill requires electric public utilities, which are companies that transmit and distribute electricity to homes and businesses, to obtain a "certificate of public convenience and necessity" from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) before starting any "transmission project." A transmission project is defined as building a new electricity transmission line or altering an existing one, but it specifically excludes projects already approved by PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., a regional transmission organization, through its needs assessment process. To get this certificate, utilities must submit an application with all the information the BPU deems necessary and pay an application fee. The BPU has 150 days to decide on the application, with a possible 75-day extension, and must approve the project if it finds that it's necessary for adequate, reliable, and efficient service, is the most cost-effective way to meet customer needs, or will foster a competitive electricity market, and that the utility can manage and finance the construction without negatively impacting itself or its customers. If approved, the BPU will issue an order authorizing the construction and setting a timeline for completion.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities 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/A3249 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3249_I1.HTM |
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