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Bill

Bill

S 302

Establishes notice requirements for certain water utilities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 1 co-sponsor

NJ bill requires smart-metered water utilities to send regular notices with current usage and charges, allow opt-in via mail/email/text, and show comparisons.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 302

Overview

S.302 (2026) of the New Jersey Legislature would require certain water utilities that use smart meters to provide regular usage notices to smart meter customers, offer customization options for notices, and include specific billing information on communications to customers. The bill covers both traditional water public utilities and, in a separate provision, local authorities and municipal utilities.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish clear notice requirements for smart meter customers of water utilities.
  • Improve transparency of monthly water usage and costs.
  • Give customers control over when and how they are notified (mail, email, or text).
  • Provide ongoing comparisons of current and prior usage to help customers manage consumption and costs.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (Section 1)

  • Defines “Smart meter,” “Smart meter customer,” and “Water public utility” (and, separately, local authority/municipal utility contexts).
  • Distinguishes between private water utilities and local authorities/municipal utilities for the purposes of notice requirements.

Notice requirements for water public utilities (Section 1, subsection b)

  • Utilities that use smart meters must notify smart meter customers of water usage by the last day of each month.
  • Notification options: mail, electronic mail, or text message (customer’s choice).
  • Minimum contents of notice:
    • Dollar amount charged for the current billing cycle (up to two days before notification).
    • Gallons of water used (up to two days before notification).

Optional notice features for customers (Section 1, subsections c)

  • Threshold alerts: customers can set a dollar-value threshold that triggers a notification when monthly charges reach that amount.
  • Usage comparisons: separate notices comparing average daily usage for the current cycle to the previous cycle or the same cycle in the prior year.

Initial contact and consent (Section 1, subsections d and e)

  • Utilities must first contact smart meter customers via a bill insert or equivalent to explain notice options and how to sign up, opt out, and provide consent for text notifications.
  • Text message notifications require prior express consent.
  • Bills to smart meter customers must include:
    • Current and previous cycle charges.
    • The difference between cycles.
    • Any tariffs, fees, or taxes for the current cycle.

Provisions for local authorities and municipal utilities (Section 2)

  • Local authorities and municipal utilities that use smart meters must provide the same notice requirements as above, adjusted for their status as public entities.
  • Similar definitions, notice content, opt-in/opt-out processes, and bill information apply.
  • Initial contact by bill insert or electronic mail with instructions to sign up, opt out, and give consent for text messages.
  • Text message notices require prior express consent.

Effective date (Section 3)

  • The act would take effect on the 90th day after enactment.

Who is affected

  • Water public utilities in New Jersey that deploy smart meters.
  • Smart meter customers (residents receiving water service from these utilities).
  • Local authorities and municipal utilities that provide water service and use smart meters.
  • Billing and customer communications departments within these utilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Sponsor: Senator Shirley Turner.
  • Pre-filed for the 2026 session; amended in Senate Economic Growth Committee.
  • Reported from committee with amendments on June 8, 2026.
  • Effective date is the 90th day after enactment (not immediate upon passage).

Potential impact

  • Increases transparency of monthly water bills for households using smart meters.
  • Enhances consumer awareness of water usage and costs through regular notices and optional usage comparisons.
  • Allows customers to set spend thresholds and receive proactive alerts to manage consumption.
  • Establishes consent-based communication, particularly for text message notices.
  • Imposes new administrative requirements on utilities to generate and deliver monthly notices and maintain opt-in/out processes.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current NJ law or draft a one-page briefing memo for policymakers.

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

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