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Bill

Bill

A 841

Requires BPU, electric power suppliers, and gas suppliers to publish certain information related to filing of customer complaints.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Karabinchak and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey requires utilities and power suppliers to publicly disclose customer complaint data to increase transparency and accountability in service quality.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
#energy #publicutil
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Bill Summary · A 841

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 841 mandates that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), electric power suppliers, and gas suppliers publicly disclose information regarding customer complaints filed against them. The bill requires these entities to make complaint data accessible to consumers, likely through published reports or online platforms. This transparency measure aims to give customers visibility into service quality and complaint resolution patterns across utility providers.

Why is this important

Utility consumers typically have limited access to information about how many complaints competitors face or how effectively issues are resolved, creating information asymmetry in the market. Public disclosure of complaint data allows consumers to make informed choices about providers and creates accountability pressure on utilities to maintain service quality. This transparency can also help regulators identify systemic problems requiring intervention.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Utilities may argue that implementing new data collection, verification, and publication systems requires significant investment that could be passed to ratepayers
  • Data interpretation concerns: Raw complaint numbers without context (e.g., customer base size, complaint complexity, resolution rates) could mislead consumers or unfairly stigmatize providers
  • Competitive disadvantage: Smaller suppliers may face disproportionate burden in meeting disclosure requirements compared to large established utilities with existing data infrastructure

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

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