Bill
Bill > A1457
NJ A1457
NJ A1457Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service during coronavirus 2019 state of emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.
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 prohibits public utilities (utilities) providing electric, gas, water, and sewer utility services to residential customers from discontinuing those services following the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) state of emergency. The bill prohibits a utility from discontinuing, curtailing, or abandoning service for the sole reason of residential customer service bill nonpayment for 180 days following the expiration of the COVID-19 state of emergency. Instead, a public utility is required to enter into a deferred payment agreement with the residential customer under terms and conditions established by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). At a minimum, the terms and conditions established by the BPU will allow residential customers to make monthly payments to the utility over a period of at least 48 months. As long as a residential customer complies with the terms and conditions of the deferred repayment plan, a utility cannot discontinue service.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits public utilities from shutting off residential electric, gas, water, and sewer services for 180 days after the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) state of emergency, solely due to non-payment of bills. Instead, utilities must offer deferred payment agreements to customers, allowing them to pay outstanding balances over at least 48 months, provided the customer adheres to the agreement's terms. This protection also extends to "medical customers," defined as those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment, with similar deferred payment options. The bill clarifies that these protections do not apply during a "public utility emergency," which is defined as a situation posing a danger to life, health, or property requiring immediate service interruption.
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/A1457 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1457_I1.HTM |
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