Legislation authored by State Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Glassboro) that would have utility companies adopt an early notification program that alerts consumers of their energy use so they can avoid unexpected and expensive electric and gas bills, passed in the Senate last week by a 27-13 vote.
The bill, S-3620, named “Energy BillWatch,” proposes a program that would automatically inform customers of their energy use at regular, early intervals so they can manage consumption to accommodate their needs.
New Jersey residents have been hit with a spike in energy costs in recent months, with some South Jersey residents seeing monthly electric bills more than double. The increases are the result of greater demand and usage, according to energy regulators.
“The sudden spike in energy bills can result in sticker shock for consumers,” Burzichelli said. “It’s an affordability challenge that makes it difficult for them to manage household finances.
“This program will provide alerts so they aren’t caught by surprise with exorbitant bills at the end of the month. It would provide real-time information that gives homeowners and renters the information they need to manage their energy consumption and control costs.”
The program would require utility companies to directly notify customers by phone, email or text message 10 days into the billing cycle if their energy usage is exceeding their monthly average, with another notification at 20 days. It would allow customers to set their own threshold for the alerts based on dollar amounts, rather than just kilowatt usage.
The requirement would apply to electric and gas companies that use smart meters.
Energy BillWatch would be an “opt-out” program, meaning customers would be automatically enrolled unless they choose not to participate. The process would be more user friendly than even the “opt-in” services that some companies offer because they can be cumbersome and even unknown to many customers, Burzichelli said.
