Summary of Bill S 2182

Bill Number: S 2182

Title: Permits the rendering of an estimated bill from a utility corporation or municipality under certain circumstances

Status: Returned to Senate

Introduced: January 15, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2182 aims to provide utility corporations and municipalities with the authority to issue estimated bills to customers under specific circumstances. This legislation seeks to enhance billing flexibility and ensure that customers are billed accurately even when actual meter readings are not available.

Key Provisions

• Estimated Billing Authority: The bill allows utility companies and municipalities to render estimated bills when actual meter readings cannot be obtained due to various reasons, such as adverse weather conditions, access issues, or technical malfunctions.

• Notification Requirement: Utility providers must notify customers when an estimated bill is issued, explaining the reason for the estimation and the methodology used to calculate the bill.

• Limitations on Estimates: The bill may include provisions that limit the frequency of estimated bills to prevent over-reliance on estimates and ensure that actual readings are taken regularly.

• Customer Protections: The legislation may also include measures to protect customers from excessive charges resulting from estimated billing, ensuring that estimates are fair and reasonable.

Who Would Be Affected

• Utility Corporations and Municipalities: The bill directly impacts utility providers by granting them the ability to issue estimated bills, thereby potentially reducing administrative burdens during periods when actual readings are not feasible.

• Consumers: Customers of utility services would be affected as they may receive estimated bills instead of actual readings. The requirement for notification aims to keep consumers informed about their billing status.

Legislative Timeline

• January 15, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
• January 27, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• May 14, 2025: Repassed in the Senate and returned to the Assembly.
• May 29, 2025: Substituted for A5969A and ordered to third reading.
• June 5, 2025: Passed in the Assembly but returned to the Senate.

Related Bills

• S 9469: A related bill from a prior session.
• S 1851: Another related bill from a prior session.
• A 5969: A companion bill that may address similar issues.

Conclusion

Bill S 2182 represents a significant shift in how utility billing can be managed, particularly in situations where actual meter readings are not possible. By allowing estimated billing under certain conditions, the bill aims to provide greater flexibility for utility providers while ensuring that consumers are kept informed and protected. The bill is currently returned to the Senate for further consideration.