This bill amends existing consumer protection laws related to electric power and gas suppliers by requiring the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to hold monthly seminars, either in-person or virtually, to provide customers with essential information about their options for electricity and gas services. The seminars aim to educate consumers on the implications of the restructuring of the electric power and gas industries, ensuring they can make informed choices. Additionally, the bill mandates that the BPU disseminate information regarding consumer protection standards during these seminars.

The bill also introduces several specific requirements for electric power and gas suppliers, including the necessity to provide customers with a one-page information sheet summarizing contract terms in both English and Spanish, and to disclose whether contracts are fixed or variable rate. It prohibits discriminatory marketing practices and establishes standards for advertising, credit, and billing. Furthermore, it enhances the protection of customer information by restricting the disclosure of personal data without consent, while allowing certain disclosures for government aggregation programs. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen consumer rights and enhance transparency in the energy market.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-85