Bill
Bill > A3034
NJ A3034
NJ A3034Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for cost of certain spoiled products resulting from service outage more than 72 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 its customers who experienced a "sustained interruption" caused by a "major event," as those terms are defined in the bill, for the actual cost of spoiled food, prescription medicine, or perishable commercial products, due to the lack of refrigeration during the sustained interruption, upon filing a claim for the loss in a form and manner established by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Under the bill, a residential customer that experiences a sustained interruption may be reimbursed for the actual cost of spoiled food or prescription medicine under conditions stated in the bill. Further, a business customer that experiences the same sustained interruption may be reimbursed for the actual cost of spoiled perishable commercial products under conditions stated 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 BPU.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that electric public utilities must reimburse residential customers for the cost of spoiled food or prescription medicine, and business customers for spoiled perishable commercial products, if these items were lost due to a lack of refrigeration during a "sustained interruption" of service. A "sustained interruption" is defined as an electric service outage lasting more than 72 consecutive hours after the end of a "major event," which includes severe weather or other uncontrollable circumstances that disrupt the utility's system. To receive reimbursement, customers must file a claim with the utility, providing proof of loss such as receipts or photographs, in a format determined by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, utilities must also establish an online system for customers to submit these reimbursement claims.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
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/A3034 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3034_I1.HTM |
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