Requires public utilities to send certain information concerning rate increases to customers.
The bill intends to enhance transparency and accountability within the public utilities sector in New Jersey. By ensuring customers are informed about potential rate increases, the legislation aims to empower residents to engage in the process and express their support or opposition more effectively. The requirement for notice in the utility bills will ensure that customers are kept in the loop regarding changes that could affect their financial commitments, thereby fostering a sense of consumer protection.
Assembly Bill A5661 requires public utilities to provide specific information about rate increases to their customers. When a public utility files a petition with the Board of Public Utilities to increase rates, the utility must notify its customers of the filing in their first utility bill after the filing date. This notification should include a summary of the petition's contents, the rationale behind the filing, information on its impact on customers, details about any public hearings, and instructions on how customers can communicate their opinions concerning the filing.
Notable points of contention may arise around the extent to which public utilities should be required to communicate with customers. Some stakeholders may argue that these requirements could create additional burdens on utilities, potentially complicating their administrative processes. Conversely, advocates for consumer rights may argue that the provisions of A5661 are essential for maintaining transparency and allowing customers a voice in the rate-setting process, which can often seem opaque.