New Jersey Senate Bill S931

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Requires electric distribution lines to be located underground in areas affected by severe weather or natural disasters.

Impact

If enacted, S931 would substantially alter the existing statutes governing electric utility infrastructure in New Jersey. This could result in increased safety and reliability of electric services during severe weather events, ultimately reducing the economic impact on communities that suffer from prolonged power outages. Moreover, the necessity for utilities to install or relocate distribution lines underground could lead to increased costs for electric companies, which may influence future utility rates or funding models. This may also stimulate discussions regarding capital investment priorities among utility providers and regulators.

Summary

Senate Bill S931 aims to enhance the resilience of New Jersey's electric distribution infrastructure by requiring that electric distribution lines in areas prone to severe weather or natural disasters be located underground, where feasible. The bill is introduced in the context of increasing occurrences of major catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and severe storms, which often lead to significant power outages due to above-ground infrastructure damage. The legislation mandates that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will develop specific standards for implementing this requirement, emphasizing the need for thorough public consultation and consideration of federal regulations in the establishment of these standards.

Contention

The proposed legislation has sparked debate around the feasibility and cost implications associated with requiring underground installations. Advocates laud the bill as a proactive measure to safeguard public utility services in the face of climate change and extreme weather events. However, critics argue that the financial burden might be passed onto consumers and question whether undergrounding lines is always possible or cost-effective in every environmental context. The process for municipal consent and compliance with permitting requirements may also pose challenges for swift implementation, raising concerns about bureaucratic delays.