New Jersey Assembly Bill A4319

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/22
• Refer: 6/20/22

Caption

Requires certain public utilities to provide customers notice of certain utility work that could impact traffic.

Impact

If enacted, A4319 will supplement Title 48 of the Revised Statutes, thereby establishing a formal obligation for public utilities to provide written notice of scheduled service work. This requirement aims to improve transparency and customer awareness, thereby allowing residents to make informed decisions about their travel and safety when utility work is conducted within a three-mile radius of their residences. Furthermore, the bill aims to enhance the accountability of utilities in their operations, necessitating proactive communication regarding their activities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4319 focuses on enhancing communication between public utilities and their customers regarding scheduled utility work that may affect traffic. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, the bill mandates that utilities providing electric, gas, sewer, telephone, or water services include notifications in customer utility bills about upcoming work that is not tied to emergencies. This is intended to ensure that residents are adequately informed of any activities that could disrupt local traffic patterns and plan accordingly.

Contention

Despite its seemingly benign intent, the bill may face resistance regarding its practical implementation and the potential burden it places on public utilities. Concerns may arise about the effectiveness of the notice process, especially for smaller utility providers who may struggle to comply due to resource constraints. Additionally, critics may argue that the requirement for notification may lead to information overload for customers, where multiple notices could potentially confuse rather than inform them about essential traffic changes due to utility work. The debate may center around the balance between ensuring customer notification and maintaining operational efficiency for utilities.