Summary of Bill S 1194

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 1194
• Title: Requires gas and electric corporations to provide forty-five days' notice to customers whenever there is a service rate or charge increase
• Status: Returned to Senate
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 1194 is to enhance transparency and communication between gas and electric corporations and their customers regarding changes in service rates or charges. By mandating a forty-five days' notice prior to any increase, the bill aims to give consumers adequate time to prepare for potential financial impacts and to seek alternatives if necessary.

Key Provisions

• Notification Requirement: Gas and electric corporations must provide customers with a minimum of forty-five days' notice before implementing any increase in service rates or charges.
• Scope of Application: This requirement applies to all gas and electric corporations operating within the jurisdiction of the bill.
• Consumer Protection: The bill is designed to protect consumers from sudden rate increases, allowing them to adjust their budgets and make informed decisions regarding their energy usage.

Impact

• Affected Parties:
  • Consumers: Households and businesses that rely on gas and electric services will benefit from the advance notice, enabling better financial planning.
  • Gas and Electric Corporations: These companies will need to implement new procedures to ensure compliance with the notification requirement, potentially affecting their operational processes.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• 2025-01-08: Bill introduced and referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
• 2025-03-12: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• 2025-05-27: Passed in the Assembly but subsequently returned to the Senate.
• 2025-05-20: The bill was repassed in the Senate and returned to the Assembly.
• 2025-05-14: The bill was recalled from the Assembly and restored to third reading after a reconsideration vote.
• 2025-05-21: Substituted for A6326A and ordered to third reading.
• 2025-05-27: Returned to the Senate after passing the Assembly.

Related Legislation

• Companion Bill: A 6326
• Prior Session Bills: S 8373, S 1804

Conclusion

Bill S 1194 represents a significant step towards improving consumer rights in the energy sector by ensuring that customers are adequately informed of rate increases. The requirement for a forty-five-day notice aims to foster better communication and transparency between utility providers and their customers, ultimately benefiting consumers in managing their energy costs.