"Reliability, Preparedness, and Storm Response Act;" requires public utilities to file certain information concerning emergency preparedness with BPU and increases certain penalties.
Impact
This legislation significantly impacts public utility operations by introducing stricter guidelines and reporting requirements. Each utility is required to detail their emergency response strategies and communication protocols, which are to be reviewed and approved by the BPU. Furthermore, utilities will face severe financial repercussions for non-compliance, with penalties escalating from $100 a day to $25,000 for each violation, capped at $2 million for related offenses. This new financial structure aims to incentivize better service and preparedness in the face of potential disasters.
Summary
Senate Bill S1528, known as the 'Reliability, Preparedness, and Storm Response Act', mandates that public utilities in New Jersey develop and submit emergency response plans to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) by May 15 each year. This act aims to enhance service reliability and readiness for disruptions due to storms and other emergencies. It establishes performance benchmarks that utilities must meet regarding service reliability and communication during emergencies, thereby ensuring accountability to the public and improving overall service standards.
Contention
There may be contention surrounding the bill primarily based on the extent of penalties and the degree of oversight it introduces. Critics may argue that the elevated fines could disproportionately affect smaller utilities. Additionally, the requirement for comprehensive emergency response plans might prompt concerns among utility operators regarding the feasibility and costs associated with compliance. The BPU is also provided with enhanced enforcement powers, raising questions about the balance of regulatory oversight and operational freedom for utilities.
"The Reliability, Preparedness, and Storm Response Act of 2020"; requires public utilities to file certain information concerning emergency preparedness with BPU and increases certain penalties.
"The Reliability, Preparedness, and Storm Response Act of 2020"; requires public utilities to file certain information concerning emergency preparedness with BPU and increases certain penalties.
Requires BPU to establish best practices and to assess electric public utilities' compliance with BPU best practices during BPU's review of rate increase.
Requires BPU to establish best practices and to assess electric public utilities' compliance with BPU best practices during BPU's review of rate increase.
"The Reliability, Preparedness, and Storm Response Act of 2020"; requires public utilities to file certain information concerning emergency preparedness with BPU and increases certain penalties.
"The Reliability, Preparedness, and Storm Response Act of 2020"; requires public utilities to file certain information concerning emergency preparedness with BPU and increases certain penalties.
Directs BPU to require electric public utilities to protect electric distribution and transmission system from human-caused and solar electromagnetic pulses.
Public utilities: electric utilities; engineering audits; require. Amends sec. 10p of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.10p) & adds sec. 6y. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5216'23, HB 5220'23, HB 5221'23, HB 5217'23, HB 5219'23
Requires request for proposal to establish demonstration projects to develop electric vehicle charging depots serviced by distributed energy resource charging centers for certain electric vehicle use.
Requires request for proposal to establish demonstration projects to develop electric vehicle charging depots serviced by distributed energy resource charging centers for certain electric vehicle use.