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A 5513

Exempts party position elections from automatic full manual recounts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jo Anne Simon

NJ BPU must run a public information campaign on meter calibration, dispute timelines, and independent verification, with English/Spanish materials and a toll-free helpline.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
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Bill Summary · A 5513

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-5513

Note: The title of the bill references party position elections and recounts, but the introduced text and provisions of A-5513, as described here, relate to a public information campaign about utility meter inspection, calibration, and dispute procedures. The bill text provided amends Title 48 (Utility Regulations) and Establishes a campaign to inform utility customers. Sponsor: Jo Anne Simon.

Purpose and Intent

  • To require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish and implement a comprehensive public information campaign for electric, gas, and water utility customers.
  • The campaign focuses on meter inspection, calibration requirements, and the process for disputing meter readings and utility bills.
  • The goal is to improve customer understanding of meter calibration, dispute timelines, and independent verification options.

Key Provisions

  • Meet definitions:

    • Board: Board of Public Utilities (or successor).
    • Electric public utility: a utility distributing electricity within New Jersey.
    • Gas public utility: a utility distributing gas within New Jersey.
    • Water public utility: a utility transporting water within New Jersey.

  • Public information campaign requirements:

    • Inform customers about meter calibration requirements and procedures to ensure accurate billing, including:
    • How often meters must be tested/calibrated.
    • Which entities are authorized to test and calibrate meters.
    • Explain dispute procedures for meter readings or bills, including timelines and methods to initiate disputes.
    • Describe availability of independent verification of meter accuracy through the board and third-party entities in line with existing regulations.
    • Include any other information the board deems necessary.

  • Outreach and materials:

    • Prepare, publish, and distribute information via the board and the utilities’ websites, as well as booklets, pamphlets, and other materials.
    • Ensure information is available in English and Spanish.
    • Provide a toll-free telephone number for customers to obtain additional information or to inquire about meters, meter readings, or disputed bills.

  • Implementation and rulemaking:

    • The Board may adopt rules and regulations as needed to implement the act, under the Administrative Procedure Act.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Electric, gas, and water public utilities within New Jersey.
  • Utility customers seeking information about meter calibration and dispute processes.
  • Entities authorized to test/calibrate meters, and third-party verification providers.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative status: Introduced March 24, 2025; referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. Some records also show referrals related to Election Law, indicating possible clerical or cross-reference issues in the bill’s tracking.
  • Implementation path: Board of Public Utilities to develop and launch the information campaign; potential future rulemaking to codify procedures.

Additional Notes

  • The introduced version explicitly references amending Title 48 of the Revised Statutes and related regulatory processes.
  • Fiscal impact is not specified in the text; potential costs would relate to campaign development, printing, website updates, and toll-free line operations.
  • Related bills or prior-session references include A 10267.

This summary aims to present the substantive content and potential impact of the bill as introduced, and notes any inconsistencies in the bill’s labeling or tracking.

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

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