This bill mandates that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) establish rules requiring electric public utilities to prioritize service restoration for age-restricted communities following major events that cause sustained interruptions in utility service. An age-restricted community is defined as a planned development for individuals aged 55 and older. The bill outlines that utilities must annually request information from residential customers to identify those living in age-restricted communities, and those who confirm their status will be designated as eligible for priority restoration. However, the bill stipulates that prioritizing these communities should not compromise overall public safety during restoration efforts.

Additionally, the BPU is granted the discretion to tailor restoration priorities based on the specific needs of age-restricted communities and the geographic characteristics of the areas affected. The bill emphasizes that while utilities should aim to restore service to these communities promptly, they must balance this with the necessity of maintaining public safety in broader restoration efforts. The act is set to take effect 60 days after enactment, allowing the BPU to take necessary preparatory actions in advance.