Prohibits electric public utilities from charging public entities fees for relocating utility poles.
Summary
This bill prohibits electric public utilities from charging public entities a fee when a utility pole must be relocated. The measure applies to counties, municipalities, districts, public authorities, public agencies, and other political subdivisions or public bodies in New Jersey. It defines “pole” broadly to include attached wires or cable and replacement poles of similar construction and use.
The bill is straightforward and narrowly focused: if a public entity needs a pole moved, the electric utility may not bill that public entity for the relocation cost. The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
The bill would amend Title 48 of the Revised Statutes by creating a new rule governing utility pole relocation costs. It would shift the financial burden of pole relocation away from public entities and prevent electric public utilities from recovering those relocation expenses from counties, municipalities, and other government bodies covered by the definition of public entity.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears administrative and targeted, with an apparent policy goal of relieving public entities of relocation costs. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments suggests the bill was at least introduced in a relatively uncontroversial form, though that cannot be confirmed from the available record.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is who should bear the cost of relocating utility poles when public projects or public needs require the move. Supporters would likely favor the bill because it protects local governments and other public bodies from utility relocation charges. Opponents, likely electric public utilities, could object that the bill forces utilities to absorb costs that may otherwise be passed through to the party requesting the relocation or ultimately to ratepayers.