New Jersey Assembly Bill A2550

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires electric, gas, and water public utilities to provide bill credits to volunteer fire companies, first aid, rescue, and emergency squads, and nonprofit homeless and domestic violence assistance organizations.

Impact

If enacted, A2550 will supplement Title 48 of the Revised Statutes, directly impacting how public utilities, defined according to existing regulations, handle billing for the aforementioned organizations. The Board of Public Utilities will be tasked with establishing the percentage for these bill credits based on the utilities' distribution service charges. This change is expected to enhance financial stability for organizations that provide essential services to the community.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2550 mandates that electric, gas, and water public utilities in New Jersey provide bill credits to specific organizations. These organizations include volunteer fire companies, first aid and rescue squads, emergency squads, and nonprofit entities that assist the homeless and victims of domestic violence. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on these critical community services by establishing a structured credit against their utility service charges.

Contention

Though the bill appears to have broad support due to its focus on assisting vital community services, potential contention may arise around the implementation and funding of these credits. Opponents may raise concerns about how these incentives will be financed and whether they might result in higher costs for other utility consumers. Supporters argue that the societal benefits of supporting organizations that serve critical roles in public safety and welfare justify the initiative.