Updates certain notification requirements in "Energy Bill Watch" program.
Impact
The passage of S4532 is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing public utility billing. By formalizing the expectations for notifications and ensuring that customers receive timely information concerning their usage and billing, the bill aims to empower consumers. This can lead to more informed decisions about energy consumption and potentially foster savings as customers manage their usage based on the real-time data provided.
Summary
Senate Bill S4532 amends certain notification requirements for the 'Energy Bill Watch' program in New Jersey, aimed at enhancing transparency in billing practices between electric and gas utilities and their customers. The legislation mandates that both electric and gas public utilities that utilize smart meters must notify residential smart meter customers about usage and costs during their billing cycles. Specifically, notifications must occur on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle, and they can be sent via text message or email depending on the customer's preference.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding the bill is the degree of flexibility it provides customers concerning how they receive notifications. Allowing customers the option to select between text messages and email is seen as a positive step towards accommodating diverse preferences, yet it raises questions about how utilities will manage and streamline communication, especially for those who may not have reliable access to technology. Furthermore, concerns may arise regarding the efficacy of the program in truly reducing the surprise of high utility bills among consumers.