Bill
Bill > A2883
NJ A2883
NJ A2883Requires electric public utility to reimburse residential or commercial customer for cost of certain spoiled items resulting from service outage more than 48 hours after end of storm.
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 reimburse a residential or commercial customer who experiences a sustained interruption in electric service lasting more than 48 hours for the cost of spoiled food, prescription medicine, or perishable goods, as applicable pursuant to the bill, due to lack of refrigeration caused by the sustained interruption. Under the bill, a residential customer whose food or prescription medicine spoils due to a lack of refrigeration caused by a sustained power outage would be entitled to a reimbursement of up to $540 for the cost of the spoiled food or prescription medicine. A residential utility customer would be required to submit to the utility an itemized list of losses, and proof of loss, as specified in the bill. A commercial customer whose perishable goods have spoiled due to a lack of refrigeration caused by a sustained interruption shall be entitled to a reimbursement for up to $10,700 of the cost of the perishable goods. A commercial customer would be required to submit to the 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 utility in the State is required to develop and implement a system for customers of the utility to apply for a reimbursement online via the utility's Internet website. Applications for a reimbursement is to be made in a form and manner as determined by the Board of Public Utilities. Under the bill, each electric public utility is to provide ice and water, free of charge at a centralized location, to a residential or commercial customer who experiences a sustained interruption in electrical service to mitigate loss of food, prescription drugs, or perishable goods, as applicable pursuant to the bill. An electric public utility is not to include in its rate base or otherwise recover from ratepayers the amount of the reimbursement or ice and water cost due to a customer pursuant to the bill.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that electric public utilities (utilities) must reimburse residential and commercial customers for spoiled food, prescription medicine, or perishable goods if an electric service outage lasts for more than 48 hours after a "major event," which is defined as an uncontrollable occurrence like a storm that disrupts service. Residential customers can receive up to $540 for spoiled food or medicine, while commercial customers can get up to $10,700 for spoiled perishable goods, provided they submit proof of loss. Utilities must also offer free ice and water at a central location during such outages to help customers preserve their items. Importantly, utilities cannot pass these reimbursement or ice and water costs onto their customers through rate increases. Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, utilities must establish an online system for customers to apply for these reimbursements, with the application process to be determined by the Board of Public Utilities, an agency responsible for overseeing utilities.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
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/A2883 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2883_I1.HTM |
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