NJ Utilities Law is Helping Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe

Posted on 10/30/19

High-voltage power lines. Electricity distribution station. high voltage electric transmission tower. Distribution electric substation with power lines and transformers

A utility company shut off Linda Daniels power in July 2018 – and with that, she lost the support of her oxygen tank. Just hours later, she passed away from congestive heart failure.

Since then, AARP New Jersey has helped advocate for a new law that protects consumers from having their utilities shut off for nonpayment. This summer, Governor Murphy signed “Linda’s Law,” which now requires electric public utility companies to reach out to customers to ask if they use electric-powered medical equipment.

The law prohibits these companies from shutting off power for 90 days due to nonpayment from medical customers whose condition would be aggravated by a loss of service.

AARP New Jersey thanks Governor Murphy and the State Legislature for passing Linda’s Law, which is critical for residents who rely on electric-powered medical equipment.

However, when it comes to utilities in New Jersey, there is still work to be done.

“Garden State residents consume less energy than residents of almost all other states, but they have the 12th highest price per kilowatt hour in the nation,” according to ProPublica’s article, The Obscure Charges That Utility Companies Add to Your Bills.

In the article, AARP New Jersey’s Director of Advocacy, Evelyn Liebman questions, “How do you evaluate whether or not the price you’re asking people to pay is fair and that the benefits outweigh the costs?”

AARP New Jersey has a history of fighting for affordable and reliable utility services. This year, AARP New Jersey staff and volunteers delivered 24,000 member postcard petitions to the Governor and Board of Public Utilities urging them to lower utility prices.

Together, AARP New Jersey staff, members and volunteers have helped fight PSE&G’s Energy Strong II multi-billion rate hike request, saving 2.1 million electric customers and 1.7 million gas customers $1.6 billion. AARP New Jersey has also helped expand New Jersey’s Universal Service Fund to help thousands of low-income residents afford their gas and electric bills.

For more information and resources on New Jersey utilities, visit New Jersey’s Division of Rate Counsel’s Consumer Assistance Handbook here.

This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the AARP New Jersey page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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