New Jersey Assembly Bill A1509

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires electric public utility to reimburse cost of certain customer-owned electric service equipment if damage to equipment is due to weather event affecting electric public utility service.

Impact

The proposed legislation has implications for consumer protection in the realm of public utilities, effectively holding utility companies accountable for service interruptions that result from natural disasters. By defining a 'weather event' and other relevant terms, A1509 establishes a clear framework for assessing the liability of electric utilities in situations where customer-owned equipment is damaged. This change is expected to encourage public utilities to enhance their infrastructure resilience against weather-related disruptions. Furthermore, it may lead to an increase in customer trust towards service providers who responsibly manage the impact of extreme weather on electric service delivery.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1509 seeks to address the costs incurred by customers of electric public utilities when their customer-owned electric service equipment is damaged due to severe weather events. The bill mandates that electric public utilities reimburse customers for the full costs associated with the purchase and installation of such equipment, provided that the damage was not due to the customer's fault. This initiative aims to protect residents from the financial burden associated with the repair or replacement of essential electric infrastructure during adverse weather conditions.

Contention

While A1509 aims to provide support for consumers, potential points of contention may arise regarding the stipulations of what constitutes a 'sustained interruption' and whether utility companies may face undue financial strain due to the implementation of this bill. Some stakeholders might argue that the regulations could lead to increased rates for consumers as utilities may pass on the costs of reimbursements. Additionally, the bill's definitions and the extent of how reimbursements will be operationalized could be scrutinized during legislative debates, with possible amendments suggested to balance protection for customers and the economic health of utilities.