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Bill > A2754


NJ A2754

NJ A2754
Establishes certain requirements for public utility rate increases.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes certain requirements for public utility rate increases. Specifically, the bill requires a public utility that files a petition with the Board of Public Utilities (board) for a rate increase to notify the public utility's affected customers of the filing by bill insert or by publication in newspapers published and circulated in the affected service area or areas. The notice is to include, at a minimum: (1) a summary of the contents of the filing; (2) the reasoning for the filing; and (3) a statement of the filing's impact on affected customers. In addition, the bill requires a public utility that files a petition with the board for a rate increase to send a written, plain language summary of the board order with the board's final decision on the public utility's petition to the public utility's affected customers. If the board order results in an increase to the public utility's existing individual rate, joint rate, toll, charge, or schedule thereof, the public utility is to send the summary to its affected customers 30 days prior to the effective date of the new rates. If the board order does not result in an increase to the public utility's existing individual rate, joint rate, toll, charge, or schedule thereof, the public utility is to send the summary to its affected customers within 14 days after the issuance of the board order. Finally, the bill amends current law to require the board to respond in writing to any questions submitted by a member of the public during a hearing held by the board or the Office of Administrative Law on a public utility's filing to significantly increase, change, or alter its rate schedule, provided that the questions pertain to the filing being considered at the hearing. Under the bill, the board is to respond to these questions no later than 14 days after the final hearing on a public utility's application to significantly increase, change, or alter its rate schedule.

AI Summary

This bill requires public utilities seeking a rate increase from the Board of Public Utilities (board) to provide advance notice to their customers through bill inserts or newspaper publications, detailing the filing's content, reasoning, and impact. Following the board's decision, utilities must send a plain-language summary of the order to affected customers, with specific timelines for delivery depending on whether the rate increase is approved. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board must respond in writing to public questions submitted during hearings about significant rate changes within 14 days of the final hearing, ensuring greater transparency in the rate-setting process.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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