New Jersey Assembly Bill A3633

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Requires electric public utilities to establish toll-free telephone number to be used by public for reporting damaged equipment and dangerous vegetation.

Impact

If enacted, A3633 would require electric public utilities to update their customer communication practices significantly. Utilities must not only set up the toll-free lines but also ensure that this information is widely disseminated through every customer bill and on their websites. This change is likely to enhance the responsiveness of these utilities to critical infrastructure issues and potentially accelerate repairs and maintenance. The impact of this bill could lead to improved public trust in utilities as they adopt a more responsive and transparent communication approach regarding maintenance needs.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3633 mandates that all electric public utilities in New Jersey establish a toll-free telephone number for the public to report damaged infrastructure and dangerous vegetation affecting electric distribution. The bill aims to improve safety and response times for maintenance issues, ensuring that immediate threats to the electric distribution infrastructure can be reported quickly and effectively by the community. By requiring utilities to be more accessible to the public, the bill promotes proactive communication and public engagement in maintaining electrical safety standards.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support due to its public safety focus, it may also be met with challenges regarding implementation costs for electric utilities. Critics may express concerns over the financial burden associated with setting up the necessary infrastructure to maintain such a toll-free number and the additional resources required to handle public inquiries effectively. Despite these potential challenges, proponents argue that the benefits of improved safety and public engagement justify the investment.