Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers.

Summer shutoff protection for struggling utility customers

New Jersey law protects eligible households from electric, sewer, and water shutoffs each June 15 through August 31, except during utility emergencies. It covers service from local authorities, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and public utilities. Eligible residents include tenants whose landlord or landlord’s agent holds the utility account as a non-residential customer. You qualify through applicable Winter Termination Program categories or inability to pay because of circumstances beyond your control. These include unemployment, illness, medical costs, a recent death in your immediate family, or other agency-approved financial hardships. The agencies must provide a way to self-certify inability to pay because of these circumstances. If you qualify and request protection, service disconnected for nonpayment before June 15 must be restored June 15 without a reconnection fee. Utilities may first verify that you still live there and must discuss delayed-payment plans with participating customers who owe money. The law took effect September 24, 2025, and required both agencies to establish programs within 120 days. The Department of Community Affairs and Board of Public Utilities administer parallel programs and must issue implementing rules.