SENATE COMMITTEE OKS SIMON BILLS INCREASING PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 22, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — A package of legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican Donna Simon to help consumers make educated choices for gas and electric providers was passed today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Three Simon bills ensure utility customers receive comprehensive details on the cost of power, available suppliers in the marketplace, and the terms of contracts with providers.

“Utility choice gives consumers the opportunity to save money, but the process is unnecessarily complicated and confusing,” said Simon, R – Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Middlesex. “Often, the end results for ratepayers are higher monthly bills and restrictive contracts that keep them locked in for months or even years. These bills will bring needed transparency to the process so consumers can make an educated decision before signing on for a deal that may be too good to be true.”

The bills that cleared the Senate committee today received unanimous approval by the General Assembly in May.

A-3849 requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide consumer information on third-party electric power and gas supplier pricing and services.

Under A-3850, BPU is required to establish procedures allowing electric power and gas
supplier customers to switch energy suppliers.

A-3851 mandates utility suppliers to provide a concise summary of the terms and conditions of the contract, including whether the contract is for a fixed rate or a variable rate, and an explanation of the difference between the two.