New Jersey Assembly Bill A1923

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requires public utility to provide daily updates to municipalities concerning public utility service work.

Impact

The implementation of A1923 is expected to have a significant impact on state and local laws by formalizing the requirement for public utilities to engage with local authorities. This act will supplement Title 48 of the Revised Statutes, providing a dedicated framework for reporting and accountability in public utility operations. Given the immediate nature of emergency response, the act's provisions are designed to facilitate timely updates, enabling municipalities to better manage public safety and resource allocation during utility service disruptions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1923 mandates that public utilities provide daily updates to municipalities regarding service work undertaken within their boundaries, including work necessitated by emergencies. This legislation aims to enhance communication between public utilities and local governments during critical situations, ensuring that municipal leaders stay informed about ongoing utility activities that may impact community services. The bill obliges the Board of Public Utilities to establish the format and manner for these updates to ensure consistency and clarity in communication.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to improve communication, potential points of contention may arise regarding the practicality and feasibility of daily reporting from public utilities, especially during extensive service disruptions. Stakeholders may debate the operational burden that daily updates could impose on utilities, as well as concerns regarding the adequacy of resources available to comply with the reporting requirements. Furthermore, the definition of what constitutes an 'emergency' within the bill could be subject to interpretation, potentially leading to disagreements on the necessity and frequency of updates.