Prohibits public utilities from increasing rates until the Board of Public Utilities determines the increase is just and reasonable.

This bill amends the law to prevent public utilities from raising rates for products or services until the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) concludes a hearing and determines the rate increase is just and reasonable. Currently, utilities can raise rates upon BPU approval before the hearing concludes. The BPU can suspend rate increases for up to four months during the hearing. The utility must prove the rate increase is just and reasonable.

Prohibits public utilities from increasing rates until the Board of Public Utilities determines the increase is just and reasonable.

This bill amends the law to prevent public utilities from raising rates for products or services until the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) concludes a hearing and determines the rate increase is just and reasonable. Currently, utilities can raise rates upon BPU approval before the hearing concludes. The BPU can suspend rate increases for up to four months during the hearing. The utility must prove the rate increase is just and reasonable.