NJ S4480

Division of Rate Counsel must hire an independent third party to study the feasibility and cost savings of de-privatizing New Jersey's electric and gas utilities, with $100,000 appropriated from the General Fund

Study must examine options including full or partial public acquisition of utilities and joint public-private ownership arrangements

Analysis required to cover short and long-term challenges and benefits, environmental impacts, effects on service quality, costs to ratepayers, potential revenue from clean energy programs, and financial impact on the state

Electric utilities, gas utilities, and public entities must cooperate fully and provide requested information to the third party conducting the study

Written report with findings and recommendations for legislative and executive actions must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the bill's effective date