This bill mandates that public utilities, such as those providing gas, electric, water, or sewer services, must notify their customers about any hearings related to proposed rate increases. The notice must be given in advance and should be included with the bills sent to customers or through other written communication. Additionally, the notice must be published in a local newspaper with significant readership in each county where the utility operates. This requirement is in addition to existing notification obligations to municipalities and counties.

Furthermore, the bill revises the process for public hearings on proposed rate adjustments. It specifies that such hearings must be held in the municipality with the largest population affected by the proposed increase. If multiple counties are involved, hearings will take place in the largest municipality of each affected county. The bill also requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to actively receive and address public questions and comments during these hearings, ensuring that community input is considered in the decision-making process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:2-32.4