Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.
Impact
This bill has significant implications for state law regarding the operations of electric utilities within New Jersey. It adjusts the responsibilities of electric public utilities in handling service interruptions, enhancing customer rights and potentially leading to more equitable treatment during power outages. Moreover, it establishes a standard for the timely repair of street lights, compelling utilities to act swiftly upon receiving notice of damage or defects, which can improve public safety and neighborhood conditions.
Summary
Senate Bill S4697 aims to provide consumer protection for customers of electric public utilities by prohibiting these utilities from charging customers for electricity during service interruptions. Specifically, the bill mandates that utilities must not bill customers for the usage or provision of electricity during any period when service is interrupted. Additionally, for each billing cycle that includes a service interruption, utilities are required to proportionately reduce fixed charges that are unrelated to the customer's actual electricity usage.
Contention
The conversations surrounding SB S4697 likely touch on its impact on utility companies and the financial implications for them, as reduced charges during service interruptions could affect their revenue streams. Proponents may argue that the bill is necessary to protect consumers from unjust charges during times of hardship, while opponents could express concerns over the operational costs and administrative challenges it might impose on utilities. Furthermore, the requirement for prompt street light repairs could also lead to discussions about funding and resource allocation for utilities.
Same As
Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.
Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.
Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.
Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.
Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.
Prohibits electric and gas public utilities from collecting payment from residential budget billing plan customers whose service was interrupted as a result of major emergency event.
Prohibits electric and gas public utilities from collecting payment from residential budget billing plan customers whose service was interrupted as a result of major emergency event.
Public utilities: consumer services; disclosure on electric utility bills of the number of power outages that occurred within that billing cycle; require. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 9e.
Public utilities: consumer services; eligibility for utility power outage credits; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 9f.
Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.