Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way |
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For Immediate Release: | Contact: Peter Peretzman |
Date: 02/4/2021 | 609-900-5626 |
“Many New Jerseyans are facing serious economic hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including outstanding bills for critical utility services,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “It is important that we hear directly from utility customers and stakeholders so we can provide appropriate solutions for unpaid bills and alleviate the pressures that have been building on ratepayers.”
The first public meeting is a stakeholder meeting scheduled for February 8. The purpose of this meeting is to allow for informal discussion regarding the growing size and number of utility bill arrearages and potential rate impacts of the extended moratorium.
Areas of discussion on February 8 will include:
The Board will also conduct two public hearings on February 25 to solicit comments on the appropriateness of any additional Board action to protect New Jersey ratepayers relative to Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 190 and the Board’s October 28, 2020 Order. These public hearings will give the Board an opportunity to hear directly from interested parties and the public on the impact of the pandemic on customers’ ability to pay bills, the sufficiency of existing assistance programs, and any further action that may be necessary.
Comments for both public comment periods are due to the Board by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2021 by following the instructions in each Public Notice.
Following the public comment periods, the Board will review the feedback received and use it in determining how to proceed and whether to take additional action.
Utility bill assistance programs are available from NJBPU and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and from the utility companies.
About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.
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