New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S189

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.

Impact

This legislation aims to reduce potential hardships for vulnerable populations by safeguarding access to essential utility services. By requiring utilities to enter into deferred payment agreements that spread payments over at least 48 months, the bill provides a framework for residents to manage their financial obligations without fearing immediate service termination. It shifts the focus from punitive measures to cooperative solutions, which proponents argue can enhance community welfare.

Summary

Senate Bill S189 is designed to protect residential customers by prohibiting public utilities from discontinuing essential services—specifically electric, gas, water, and sewer—for a period of 180 days after the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This bill acknowledges the financial challenges that many residents faced during and after the pandemic, ensuring that utilities cannot cut off services due to nonpayment during this critical period. Instead, utilities are mandated to arrange deferred payment agreements with customers who are unable to pay their bills in full.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its intention to protect residents during financially strained times, there are points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that such regulations could place undue burdens on utilities, as prolonged nonpayment may impact their financial stability. Others might contend that the bill could create dependencies on payment plans rather than incentivizing timely bill payments. Therefore, the balance between customer protection and utility viability is a crucial discussion around S189.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S271

Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.

NJ A331

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.

NJ S3218

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.

NJ A4498

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.

NJ S2508

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.

NJ A815

Prohibits electric, gas, or water public utility service discontinuances to residential customers during certain epidemics.

NJ S1095

Prohibits electric, gas, or water public utility service discontinuances to residential customers during certain epidemics.

NJ SB102

Regards public utilities, competitive electric and gas services

NJ A5709

Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.

NJ S4479

Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.

Similar Bills

NJ S271

Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.

NJ S2356

Extends prohibition on certain utility discontinuances for certain customers.

NJ A3671

Extends prohibition on certain utility discontinuances for certain customers.

NJ S4361

Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers.

NJ A5563

Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers.

NJ A815

Prohibits electric, gas, or water public utility service discontinuances to residential customers during certain epidemics.

NJ S1095

Prohibits electric, gas, or water public utility service discontinuances to residential customers during certain epidemics.

NJ S2091

Requires certain utilities to allow residential customers to satisfy outstanding balances over time.