New Jersey Assembly Bill A2086

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires certain telecommunications, cable television, and public utility service providers to notify BPU of service discontinuance to public entities 14 business days prior to shutoff.

Impact

The legislation is intended to safeguard public entities from abrupt service terminations by obligating providers to give timely notifications. This requirement could significantly influence the operations of schools and local government agencies, ensuring they are forewarned before any interruption that could affect public services. Additionally, by involving the BPU in the process, the bill promotes a level of oversight regarding service discontinuances, enhancing accountability among utility providers.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2086, introduced by Assemblyman James J. Kennedy, mandates telecommunications and utility service providers to notify the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) a minimum of 14 business days before discontinuing services to public entities such as boards of education and local government units due to unpaid bills. This requirement aims to ensure that public institutions have adequate time to respond to potential service interruptions, thereby protecting essential services from sudden shutoffs that could disrupt operations.

Contention

While supporters assert that the bill will enhance the reliability of utility services for public entities, opponents may argue that imposing additional notification requirements could lead to increased administrative burdens for service providers. Furthermore, there could be concerns about the practical implementation of these notification timelines and the potential costs to utility companies, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers. The balance between consumer protection and regulatory burden is a critical point of discussion around this bill.