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S 4574

Enacts the "PFAS discharge disclosure act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare and 10 co-sponsors

BPU must publish clear, model-user information on electric and gas suppliers in NJ and run a public awareness campaign to promote retail choice.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.897
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Bill Summary · S 4574

Summary — S 4574 (Introduced Version)

Title on file: "PFAS discharge disclosure act" (Note: the introduced text concerns retail energy choice information and BPU website/public outreach; there is a mismatch between the title and the bill text.)

Main purpose

Require the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create and maintain consumer-facing, user‑friendly information about third‑party electric and gas suppliers to help utility customers exercise their right to retail choice, and to run a related public awareness campaign.

Key provisions

  • Definitions: establishes terms used (Board, electric power supplier, gas supplier, electric/gas public utility, retail choice).
  • Model website review: BPU must review the websites of public utility regulators in other states with deregulated energy sectors and select the state whose site is the most helpful/user‑friendly for retail choice customers.
  • Website publication and updates:
    • Within 90 days after selecting the model site, and then quarterly, BPU must publish on its website information about electric power suppliers and gas suppliers doing business in New Jersey.
    • The information must be compiled in a format similar to the chosen model, be written in plain language that explains the benefits of retail choice, and be user‑friendly.
  • Public awareness campaign: BPU must establish a campaign to educate electric and gas utility customers on the benefits of retail choice and how to use the supplier information on BPU’s website.
  • Rulemaking: BPU to adopt any necessary rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Effective date: the act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • Electric and gas customers in New Jersey (particularly residential customers who may consider switching suppliers).
  • Electric power suppliers and gas suppliers operating in New Jersey (their basic information would be published/maintained on BPU’s site).
  • BPU (administrative responsibilities for research, website content, quarterly updates, and outreach).
  • Electric and gas public utilities indirectly (customer switching behavior may be affected).

Potential impacts

  • Increased consumer awareness of retail choice options; could lead to higher switching rates from utilities to third‑party suppliers.
  • Administrative costs for BPU for website development/maintenance and outreach (not quantified in the bill).
  • Suppliers may see increased consumer inquiries and competition; utilities may face changes in generation supply shares depending on consumer response.

Timeline and procedural status

  • Introduced: June 5, 2025.
  • Key legislative actions (selected): Passed Senate and delivered to Assembly; referred to Assembly committees; SUBSTITUTE/AMENDMENTS noted; ORDERED TO THIRD READING (Rules Calendar No. 897) as of June 17, 2025.
  • Implementation timeline if enacted: BPU selects a model state site, then must publish required information within 90 days of that determination and update quarterly thereafter.

Sponsors and related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Rachel May. Co-sponsors include Michelle Hinchey, José M. Serrano, Robert Jackson, Sean Ryan, Julia Salazar, Brian Kavanagh, Patricia Fahy, Shelley Mayer, Cordell Cleare.
  • Companion/related bills: A5650, A5832 (companion), prior-session S9525, S227.

Note: The bill text focuses on retail energy choice outreach; the bill title referencing PFAS appears inconsistent with the content provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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