ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1683

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 29, 2018

      The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1683.

      As reported, this bill increases civil penalties for energy “slamming” practices from $10,000 for the first offense, and not more than $25,000 for the second and each subsequent offense, to $20,000 for the first offense, and not more than $50,000 for the second and each subsequent offense.  Energy “slamming” is a practice that involves changing consumers’ electric power or gas supplier without their knowledge or consent.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2018-2019 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.