STATE OF NEW JERSEY
218th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2018 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator DAWN MARIE ADDIEGO
District 8 (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)
Senator RICHARD J. CODEY
District 27 (Essex and Morris)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Singer, Weinberg, Cardinale and Rice
SYNOPSIS
Revises requirements related to public hearings on proposed public utility rate increases.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Act concerning public utility rate increase proposals and amending P.L.1980, c.179.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 1 of P.L.1980, c.179 (C.48:2-32.4) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. Prior to granting a public utility a proposed adjustment which would result in an increase in individual rates, joint rates, tolls, charges or schedules thereof, the Board of Public Utilities or the Office of Administrative Law shall hold at least one public hearing in the municipality affected by the proposed adjustment. If more than one municipality is located in the service area affected by the proposed adjustment, the public hearing shall be held in a centrally located municipality in the affected service area. Notice of any such hearing shall be furnished in the manner provided for notices generally pursuant to subsections c. and d. of section 34 of P.L.1962, c.198 (C.48:2-32.2). In the case of a hearing held by the Office of Administrative Law, proof of service of notice by a public utility shall be furnished to that office.
b. The Board of Public Utilities or the Office of Administrative Law, as appropriate, shall receive the public's questions and comments concerning the proposed adjustment: (1) during the public hearing conducted pursuant to subsection a. of this section; (2) during any hearing conducted pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1983, c.454 (C.48:2-32.6); (3) during the period between (a) service of written notice of the hearing pursuant to subsection c. of section 34 of P.L.1962, c.198 (C.48:2-32.2), and (b) the holding of that hearing; and (4) prior to final consideration of a proposed adjustment.
(cf: P.L.1985, c.203, s.2)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill amends the law concerning public hearings conducted in relation to proposed rate increases by any public utility to direct the Board of Public Utilities or Office of Administrative Law, as appropriate, to receive and address public questions and comments concerning a proposed rate increase submitted during the public hearing and the comment period related to the public hearing prior to final consideration of a proposed rate increase.