NJ A1959

Prohibits telecommunications, electric, gas, and cable television companies from charging credit card or direct debit customers before the actual billing due date that would apply to customers paying by cash, check, or money order.

Customers may opt to be charged earlier by agreeing to an earlier payment date through telephone request or other board-approved methods.

The Board of Public Utilities is responsible for enforcing these billing restrictions and may adopt rules and regulations to implement the law.

The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, though the Board may take preparatory administrative actions beforehand.