Bill requiring utility companies to alert customers of high energy usage signed into law

NEW JERSEY — Ahead of the anticipated rise in utility costs and after one of the hottest summers on record and a winter with below-freezing temperatures, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill into law Tuesday to ensure New Jersey residents are not caught off guard by unexpected and excessive utility bills.

Bill A4817, sponsored by Assembly members Dave Bailey Jr., Heather Simmons, and Cody Miller, will require electric and gas public utilities to establish an “Energy Bill Watch” program. The program would notify smart meter customers when their energy consumption exceeds certain thresholds, giving them the tools to manage their usage and avoid high costs.

“The sticker shock of large utility bills at the end of the month can be unaffordable for working families trying to manage household finances,” said Bailey (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland). “The early notifications will give them the ability to adjust their usage and prevent surprise bills that break their budgets.”

“Public utility companies should be taking advantage of the technology and rapid communication methods we have available to keep every household informed,” said Simmons (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland). “This plan will provide the information that customers need in ways that are easy to use.”

“Everyone deserves to come home to a comfortable environment, whether it’s cooling off in the summer or warming up in the winter, without the worry of high energy costs,” said Miller (D-Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester). “By providing up-to-date information through simple notifications, we can help families better budget and plan for their energy use, ensuring that comfort doesn’t come at a financial cost.”

In addition to A4817, Assembly Democrats have unveiled a legislative package to provide immediate relief and create long-term solutions for fair energy pricing and better access to assistance programs.