The bill mandates that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), electric power suppliers, and gas suppliers publish specific information regarding customer complaints. It amends Section 36 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-85) to require that electric and gas suppliers provide customers with a one-page information sheet summarizing the material terms and conditions of their contracts, including contract duration, pricing, and an explanation of "slamming," which refers to unauthorized changes in a customer's supplier. The BPU is also tasked with maintaining a database for customer complaints and publishing quarterly reports that identify the entities against which complaints are filed while keeping personal information confidential.

Furthermore, the bill enhances consumer protection by prohibiting discriminatory marketing practices and ensuring adherence to advertising standards. It establishes a multi-lingual consumer education program to inform residential and small business consumers about their options in the energy market. The bill requires that any change in a customer's supplier must be affirmatively approved by the customer, documented through various means, and that energy suppliers notify customers of any changes within 30 days, including contact information for filing complaints with the BPU. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency and accountability in the energy supply sector, protecting consumers from misleading practices and unauthorized supplier changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-85, 48:3-86, 48:3-90