Bill

A 5058

Moves the date of the presidential primary to the same date as the state primaries

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Eachus and 2 co-sponsors

Requires BPU approval before any NJ electric transmission project, with a detailed proposal, cost analysis, public-benefit justification, and alternative options.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 5058

Summary of Bill A 5058 (Introduced December 9, 2024)

Note on title vs. content: The bill’s provided title references moves to the presidential primary date, but the text and provisions attached to this version concern electric transmission project oversight in New Jersey. The following summary reflects the introduced content as it appears in the bill’s text.

Purpose and intent

Require an electric public utility to obtain approval from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) before undertaking a transmission project within New Jersey.
Increase transparency, cost-awareness, and public accountability for transmission planning by ensuring projects are necessary, cost-effective, and provide public benefits.

Key provisions

Definitions

Board: Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
Electric public utility: A public utility that transmits and distributes electricity to end users in the state.
Transmission project: Any project to construct a new transmission line or modify an existing transmission line.

Transmission project proposal (Section 2)

Before starting a transmission project, an electric public utility must develop and submit to the BPU a proposal that, at minimum, includes:
1. Potential impacts on the environment, scenic resources, historic sites, and public safety.
2. All costs associated with the project.
3. Whether the project meets a demonstrated need, which can be established by public benefits such as:
- improved reliability,
- increased economic development,
- reduced consumer costs, and
- increased energy supply to meet rising demand.
4. Alternative project ideas that would meet the same need at a lower total cost.

BPU review and approval (Section 2)

The BPU must review the proposal within 90 days of receipt.
After notice and an opportunity to be heard, the board must:
- determine whether the proposal is reasonable, in the public interest, and cost-effective; and
- approve the proposal if it meets these criteria.

Rulemaking (Section 3)

The BPU shall adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the bill, including criteria to guide the board’s review of transmission project proposals.

Effective date (Section 4)

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Procedural history and actions

Introduced in the Assembly on December 9, 2024; referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
As of February 11, 2025, entries show the bill being referred to the Election Law committee (noting a potential procedural shift or cross-reference).
Related companion and prior-session bills exist (e.g., S 4575, S 1687; A 10173, A 6623, A 1109).

Potential impact

Electric public utilities: New requirement to prepare a detailed transmission project proposal and to obtain BPU approval before proceeding. This could affect project timelines, budgeting, and planning processes.
Ratepayers/consumers: Increased oversight may lead to greater cost containment and justification for projects, potentially reducing unnecessary spending and ensuring public benefits are demonstrated.
Regulatory framework: Creates a formal, criteria-driven review process and mandatory rulemaking by the BPU to govern transmission projects.

Additional notes

The bill emphasizes accountability and cost-effectiveness in transmission planning, aligning project approvals with demonstrated public benefits and alternative, lower-cost options.

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