New Jersey Assembly Bill A4787

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/24
• Refer: 9/19/24

Caption

Requires electric public utilities to conduct wellness checks in age-restricted communities during power outages.

Impact

If passed, A4787 will fundamentally alter the way electric public utilities operate in New Jersey, specifically during power outages. The requirement to conduct wellness checks and maintain an updated registry signifies a shift towards a more proactive approach in safeguarding vulnerable populations within age-restricted communities. This legislation could be seen as a model for improving emergency response protocols, especially in areas with a high density of residents who depend on medical equipment.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4787 requires electric public utilities to conduct wellness checks for individuals relying on powered medical devices during power outages in age-restricted communities. The bill mandates that utilities maintain a confidential registry of residents who use such devices, ensuring that this registry is updated annually. Moreover, utilities are obligated to prioritize the restoration of power within one hour of an outage for those on the registry, significantly impacting how utilities manage their resources during emergencies.

Contention

Potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the bill, particularly relating to the feasibility and funding of these new requirements for utilities. Concerns might be raised about the balance of financial responsibilities between the utilities and local governments and how these wellness checks will be managed effectively. Moreover, there are questions regarding privacy in maintaining the registry and the conditions under which information is shared with other entities like healthcare providers and emergency services.