Garden State Times

Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre have introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting electric public utilities from increasing rates to cover the costs of installing smart meters. The proposed bills, S-4086 and A-5299, are aligned with a federal proposal by U.S. Congressman Jefferson Van Drew.

The legislation mandates that electric utilities provide clear information about rate increases on their websites and in customer communications. This includes details such as the amount and effective date of the increase, reasons for it, anticipated impacts on bills, and how customers can give feedback or file complaints.

In a joint statement, Amato, Rumpf, and Myhre highlighted the urgency of addressing rising electric costs: “Skyrocketing electric costs have created a crisis as thousands of blindsided ratepayers simply cannot afford to pay their electric bills. Our legislation takes on even greater importance with the announcement that electric rates will be increasing in June of this year."

They emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further increases: “New Jersey needs to take immediate and decisive action to prevent additional electric rate increases or else prepare to see thousands of residents out on the street because they cannot afford to pay their electric bill in addition to their already high property tax bills."

The legislators noted complaints from constituents about sharp bill increases following smart meter installations. They stated: “Our district office has received many complaints from constituents who reported sharp increases in their electric bill shortly after having a smart meter installed."

The 9th District Delegation's proposal also seeks to protect consumers by prohibiting service disconnections or late fees for nonpayment if an average rate increase exceeds five percent within six months.

Amato, Rumpf, and Myhre expressed readiness for bipartisan cooperation: “Meanwhile, our Delegation is ready and willing to work in a bipartisan manner to enact legislative initiatives to control, to the greatest extent possible, utility costs as the current situation has become dire for many.”