New Jersey Assembly Bill A1628

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meters and smart meter technology at customers' premises upon request and in new building construction.

Impact

The essence of A1628 lies in its potential to transform the landscape of energy consumption by allowing customers to access detailed information regarding their hourly electricity usage. This could facilitate the adoption of time-of-use electric rates, where the cost of electricity may vary depending on the time of day, thus encouraging consumers to reduce their energy usage during peak hours. Additionally, the bill stipulates that utilities can recover costs associated with the smart meter installations, yet it prevents them from passing on costs related to decreased revenues from reduced electricity consumption directly to customers. This provision could help ensure that consumers are not negatively impacted by utilities adjusting to new consumption patterns.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1628 aims to enhance energy management for consumers in New Jersey by mandating electric public utilities to install and operate smart meters and smart meter technology at customers' premises upon request, as well as in new building constructions. The bill delineates requirements for electric utilities to propose plans for the installation of these smart meters within 90 days of its enactment, which must then be reviewed and potentially approved or modified by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) within 180 days. Smart meters allow for more accurate real-time tracking of electricity usage which can empower consumers to manage their energy consumption effectively.

Contention

While the bill is designed to promote better energy management through smart technology, there may be disputes regarding aspects like the recovery of installation costs and the implications of customer data access. Stakeholders may express concerns over how consumer data is handled and shared with third parties, such as electric power suppliers. Additionally, opinions could diverge on the efficacy of time-of-use rates and whether they truly favor consumers or primarily benefit the utilities. The bill's implementation will require careful monitoring to address these potential contention points effectively.