This bill mandates the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to engage a third party to conduct a study assessing the feasibility and potential cost savings of de-privatizing public utilities in New Jersey. The study will explore various options, including the acquisition or operation of existing public utilities by public entities and joint ownership arrangements. The third party will have the authority to request information from public utilities and entities to facilitate the study, which will evaluate the short- and long-term challenges and benefits of each option, including environmental impacts, service effects, and costs to ratepayers.

Additionally, the bill requires public utilities and entities to cooperate fully with the third party and provide requested information. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the BPU must submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the study's findings and recommendations regarding the feasibility, need, and cost savings associated with de-privatization. To support these efforts, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the BPU. The overall goal of the legislation is to explore the potential for providing utility services as a public good for New Jersey residents.