Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Impact
A significant provision of A758 is its prohibition against public utilities billing customers for costs incurred during necessary upgrades to their infrastructure that result from these qualified construction projects, provided the customer complies with the certification requirement. However, utilities retain the right to collect a customer's pro rata share of any increase in their rate base or other recovery mechanisms approved by the board, which might raise questions about potential cost shifts to other customers in the long term.
Summary
Assembly Bill A758 aims to establish guidelines concerning upgrades to public utility infrastructure following qualified construction projects. The bill stipulates that customers of public utilities must provide certification from a licensed contractor within 90 days of completing construction intended to mitigate damage from past or potential natural disasters. This certification assures both the Board of Public Utilities and the utility company that the upgrades are compliant with the prescribed standards.
Contention
The bill's introduction suggests there may be differing opinions regarding the implications of cost recovery on public utilities. Critics could argue that the provision allowing for cost recovery in utility rate bases might lead to increased rates for other customers who are not directly involved in qualified construction projects. Proponents of the bill, however, argue that it encourages customers to undertake important mitigation work that can reduce broader infrastructure vulnerabilities in disaster-prone areas, thus benefiting public safety and community resilience.
Same As
Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Carry Over
Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Public utilities prohibited from recovering infrastructure costs incurred to extend service to new natural gas customers from existing natural gas customers.
To require all utility companies to absorb the costs of maintenance, upgrades, and repairs for their pipes, cables, utility poles, electrical lines, and other necessities without increasing rates or costs to consumers/customers.
To require all utility companies to absorb the costs of maintenance, upgrades, and repairs for their pipes, cables, utility poles, electrical lines, and other necessities without increasing rates or costs to consumers/customers.
Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.
Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Prohibits utility from billing customer for costs incurred for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure; allows costs for certain upgrades to utility infrastructure be recovered in utility's rate base.
Requires electric public utility to charge residential rate for service used by residential customer for electric vehicle charging at charging stations within certain designated parking spaces.