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 included with customer bills or through other written communication, as well as published in a local newspaper with significant readership in each county served by the utility. 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, stipulating that such hearings must occur in the municipality with the largest population affected by the proposed increase. If multiple counties are involved, hearings will be held in the largest municipality of each affected county. The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is also tasked with collecting and addressing 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