TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey legislators have introduced a bill aimed at preventing electric utilities from passing the costs of smart meter installations onto consumers, citing concerns over rising electricity bills.
Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre unveiled the legislation (S-4096 and A-5299), which mirrors a federal proposal introduced by U.S. Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (R-2nd). The bill would prohibit electric utilities from increasing rates to recover smart meter installation costs and require greater transparency on rate changes.
The legislation mandates that electric utilities disclose rate increases on their websites and customer communications, including the amount, effective date, reasons, and percentage impact on bills. It also provides information on how customers can file complaints.
“Skyrocketing electric costs have created a crisis as thousands of blindsided ratepayers simply cannot afford to pay their electric bills,” Amato, Rumpf, and Myhre said in a joint statement. The lawmakers warned that increasing electric rates could worsen financial struggles for residents, particularly retirees and middle-class families.
Additionally, the bill seeks to protect ratepayers by prohibiting electric utilities from disconnecting service or charging late fees for nonpayment if a rate increase raises bills by five percent or more within six months.
The proposal comes as New Jersey prepares for an electric rate hike in June, intensifying concerns over affordability for residents already burdened by high property taxes.