TRENTON, N.J. — A group of New Jersey lawmakers has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at helping consumers avoid unexpectedly high utility bills by keeping track of their energy usage as prices continue to soar in New Jersey.
The proposed program, called “Energy BillWatch,” was unveiled by Senator John Burzichelli, Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, and Assemblyman David Bailey. The plan would require utility companies to notify customers of their energy consumption at early intervals, allowing them to adjust usage before receiving costly electric or gas bills.
“This would be a proactive, user-friendly program that alerts consumers of their energy use so they aren’t caught by surprise with exorbitant bills,” said Senator Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland).
The proposal comes after a sharp increase in energy costs this summer, with some residents in South Jersey seeing their electric bills more than double. Energy regulators have attributed the spike to greater demand during one of the hottest summers in recent years.
Under the plan, customers would receive notifications 10 days into the billing cycle if their energy usage exceeds their average monthly consumption, with a second alert at 20 days. Customers would also be able to set their own alert thresholds based on dollar amounts, offering more flexibility than standard usage notifications.
The program would apply to utility companies that use smart meters and would automatically enroll customers unless they choose to opt out. “The utility companies should be taking advantage of new technologies in ways that help consumers,” said Assemblywoman Simmons (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland).
Assemblyman Bailey (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) emphasized that the notifications could help working families avoid “sticker shock” from large utility bills. “The early notifications will give them the ability to adjust their usage and prevent surprise bills that break their budgets,” he said.
New Jersey residents experienced a 20 percent increase in residential power usage this summer, driven by record-high temperatures and increased use of electronic devices.