Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
Impact
The legislation aims to strengthen the financial safety net for businesses that may experience economic losses during service disruptions. It outlines specific conditions under which these reimbursements apply and establishes that a public utility cannot recover the costs of these reimbursements from ratepayers. By implementing this requirement, the bill seeks to ensure that businesses are not unduly burdened when they are temporarily unable to operate due to public utility repair work which, while necessary for community infrastructure, can pose significant challenges to small business owners.
Summary
Senate Bill 445 requires public utilities in New Jersey to reimburse business customers for financial losses incurred when they are forced to cease operations due to necessary repairs or replacements of utility equipment on their property. This bill proposes that the reimbursement amount will be determined by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) based on appropriate documentation provided by the affected business customers. The primary goal of this legislation is to protect businesses from financial harm resulting from utility service interruptions caused by maintenance activities.
Contention
One notable aspect of Senate Bill 445 is its exclusion of reimbursements for losses incurred due to interruptions occurring during declared emergency events, such as natural disasters. This exemption has raised concerns among some stakeholders, who fear that it might limit essential financial protections for businesses hit hardest during times of crisis. There is a potential debate about whether businesses should be compensated even during emergency events, as operational interruptions can disproportionately impact them in such circumstances. The balance between protecting public utility interests and safeguarding business viability remains a point of consideration as discussions continue around this bill.
Same As
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
Carry Over
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
NJ A1616
Carry Over
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.
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.
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.
Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.
Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.
Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.
Prohibits electric and gas public utilities from collecting payment from residential budget billing plan customers whose service was interrupted as a result of major emergency event.
Prohibits electric and gas public utilities from collecting payment from residential budget billing plan customers whose service was interrupted as a result of major emergency event.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for cost of certain spoiled products resulting from service outage more than 72 hours after end of storm.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for cost of certain spoiled products resulting from service outage more than 72 hours after end of storm.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse residential or commercial customer for cost of certain spoiled items resulting from service outage more than 48 hours after end of storm.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse residential or commercial customer for cost of certain spoiled items resulting from service outage more than 48 hours after end of storm.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for up to $500 for spoiled food and full cost of spoiled medicine resulting from lengthy service outage following major event.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for up to $500 for spoiled food and full cost of spoiled medicine resulting from lengthy service outage following major event.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for up to $500 for spoiled food and full cost of spoiled medicine resulting from lengthy service outage following major event.
Requires public utility to reimburse business customer during period when business ceases operations due to utility repairing or replacing its equipment on business customer's property.