This bill mandates that electric public utilities in New Jersey pre-place repair equipment in areas prone to frequent power outages caused by high-risk events, such as severe weather conditions. Specifically, utilities are required to position the necessary equipment within 12 to 24 hours before such events occur. Additionally, the bill stipulates that utilities must ensure the pre-placed equipment is regularly maintained and technologically updated to guarantee its reliability for timely power restoration. Utilities will work in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities to identify which service areas need this pre-placement of repair equipment.

Furthermore, the Board of Public Utilities is tasked with developing rules and regulations to guide utilities on the types of repair equipment to pre-place and the best practices for logistics and procedures related to this pre-placement. The bill defines high-risk events as occurrences likely to lead to power outages, including excessive heat waves, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, tropical cyclones, and winter storms like blizzards. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.