NJ S1613

Electric public utilities are prohibited from increasing rates to recover the cost of installing smart meters after the bill's enactment.

Utilities must publish rate increase details on their website and in customer communications from 30 days before to 30 days after any rate increase takes effect, including the amount, reasons, anticipated bill impact, and how to file complaints.

The Board of Public Utilities may impose fines up to $10,000 for failure to comply with the rate increase disclosure requirements.

Rate increases of 5% or more must be reported to the federal Department of Energy at least 60 days in advance, along with annual reports on service interruptions and overdue bill trends.

For six months following any rate increase of 5% or greater, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting service or assessing late fees for nonpayment to affected ratepayers.