Requires electric public utilities to report certain information concerning power outages on their Internet website and to BPU.
Impact
If enacted, A4790 would enforce a structured framework requiring electric utilities to diligently report and maintain updated information about power outages. This change seeks to improve community awareness during outages, allowing customers to make informed decisions based on the latest available data. Furthermore, by stipulating that the utilities report this information to the Board of Public Utilities within 30 days after service restoration, the bill aims to ensure ongoing regulatory oversight and accountability in utility operations, promoting higher standards of service for consumers.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4790, introduced in New Jersey's 221st Legislature, aims to enhance transparency and accountability among electric public utilities regarding power outage information. The bill mandates that electric utilities provide detailed reports about any power outages on their internet websites. This includes essential information such as the geographic area affected, the start time of the outage, the number of customers impacted, ongoing outages throughout the state, estimated restoration times, and the causes of outages once identified. Currently, such reporting is common practice but not legally enforced, potentially allowing vital outage details to be rescinded at the utility's discretion.
Contention
The primary points of contention surrounding A4790 stem from the potential administrative burden it imposes on electric utilities. Some stakeholders argue that the requirement to constantly update outage information may strain resources, especially during widespread outages. However, supporters contend that robust communication is essential for public safety and customer satisfaction, emphasizing that an informed public can better navigate the challenges of power outages. Overall, the debate focuses on balancing operational efficiency for utilities with the obligation to provide critical information that affects countless residents during service disruptions.
Allows electric public utilities to enter into agreements to place power restoration equipment on private property in anticipation of certain power outages.
Allows electric public utilities to enter into agreements to place power restoration equipment on private property in anticipation of certain power outages.
Requires BPU to post on its website report from public utility on public utility's capital investments in response to petition from public utility to increase rates.
Requires BPU to post on its website report from public utility on public utility's capital investments in response to petition from public utility to increase rates.
Requires BPU to post on its website report from public utility on public utility's capital investments in response to petition from public utility to increase rates.
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.