reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 47 - Public Records › Section 47:4-3 - Definitions relative to protection of certain qualified persons.

47:4-3 Definitions relative to protection of certain qualified persons.
47:4-3. As used in this act:
"Address" means a residential street address, school address, or work address of a qualified person, as specified on the qualified person's application to be a program participant under this act.
"Division" means the Division on Women in the Department of Children and Families.
"Director" means the Director of the Division on Women in the Department of Children and Families.
"Domestic violence" means an act defined in section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-19), if the act has been reported to a law enforcement agency or court.
"Qualified person" means a reproductive health service patient or provider, a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or a family member of any such person.
"Program participant" means a qualified person certified by the director as eligible to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program established by this act.
"Reproductive health service provider" means a hospital, clinic, physician's office, or other facility that provides reproductive health services, including an employee, a volunteer, or a contractor of the provider.
"Reproductive health services" means medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including services relating to pregnancy or the termination of a pregnancy.
"Sexual assault" means an act of sexual assault as defined in N.J.S.2C:14-2, if the act has been reported to a law enforcement agency or court.
"Stalking" means an act defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10), if the act has been reported to a law enforcement agency or court.
Amended 2019, amended 2019, c.175, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 47 - Public Records › Section 47:4-4 - "Address Confidentiality Program."

47:4-4 "Address Confidentiality Program."
47:4-4. a. There is created in the division a program to be known as the "Address Confidentiality Program." A qualified person 18 years of age or over, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated qualified person may apply to the director to have an address designated by the director as the applicant's address. The director shall approve an application if it is filed in the manner and on the form prescribed by the director and if it contains:
(1) a sworn statement by the applicant that the applicant has good reason to believe:
(a) that the applicant is a qualified person as defined in this act or the applicant has applied for an order pursuant to P.L.2015, c.147 (C.2C:14-13 et al.); and
(b) that the applicant fears further violent acts from the applicant's assailant or violent acts from other individuals;
(2) a designation of the director as agent for the purpose of receiving process and for the purpose of receipt of mail;
(3) the mailing address where the applicant can be contacted by the director, and a telephone number where the applicant can be called;
(4) the new address or addresses that the applicant requests not be disclosed because of the increased risk of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or other violence; and
(5) the signature of the applicant and any person who assisted in the preparation of the application, and the date.
b. An application shall be filed with the director.
c. Upon approving a completed application, the director shall certify the applicant as a program participant. An applicant shall be certified for four years following the date of filing unless the certification is withdrawn or invalidated before that date.
d. A program participant may apply to be recertified every four years thereafter.
e. A program participant may use the address designated by the director as his or her work address.
f. Upon receipt of first class mail addressed to a program participant, the director or a designee shall forward the mail to the actual address of the participant. The director may arrange to receive and forward other kinds and classes of mail for any program participant at the participant's expense. The actual address of a program participant shall be available only to the director and to those employees involved in the operation of the address confidentiality program and to law enforcement officers for law enforcement purposes.
g. The director, in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.
amended 2019, c.175, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 47 - Public Records › Section 47:4-5 - Cancelling of certification.

47:4-5 Cancelling of certification.
47:4-5. The director may cancel a program participant's certification if:
(1) the program participant obtains a name change through an order of the court;
(2) the program participant changes the participant's residential address and does not provide seven days' advance notice to the director;
(3) mail forwarded by the director to the address or addresses provided by the program participant is returned as undeliverable; or
(4) any information on the application is false.
The application form shall notify each applicant of the provisions of this section.
amended 2019, c.175, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 47 - Public Records › Section 47:4-6 - Use of designated address, exceptions.

47:4-6 Use of designated address, exceptions.
47:4-6. A program participant may request that any State or local agency use the address designated by the director as the program participant's address. The agency shall accept the address designated by the director as a program participant's address, unless the agency has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the director that:
(1) the agency has a bona fide statutory basis for requiring the program participant to disclose to it the actual location of the program participant; and
(2) the disclosed confidential address of the program participant will be used only for that statutory purpose and will not be disclosed or made available in any way to any other person or agency.
amended 2019, c.175, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:1-1 - Application of provisions of general corporation law

48:1-1. Application of provisions of general corporation law
Every corporation organized under any of the provisions of this title, in addition to the powers conferred upon it by the provisions of this title, shall have the general powers and privileges conferred by Title 14, Corporations, General, and shall be governed by the provisions and be subject to the restrictions and liabilities in said Title 14 contained, so far as the same are appropriate to and not inconsistent with the provisions of the act under which any such corporation is organized or created and are convenient or necessary to the objects set forth in its certificate of incorporation.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-1 - Board of Public Utilities continued; membership; terms.

48:2-1 Board of Public Utilities continued; membership; terms.
48:2-1. a. The Board of Public Utilities, named pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 001-1994, effective on July 4, 1994, and allocated in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury pursuant to that plan, is continued and is designated as the Board of Public Utilities or the "board."
b. The board shall consist of five citizens of this State who shall devote their entire time to the duties of the board and shall not engage in any occupation, profession or other gainful employment.
c. Members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, for terms of six years. The terms of office of the members of the board shall continue until their successors are appointed and qualified. No person shall act as a member of the board until that person's appointment has been confirmed by the Senate. Not more than three of the members of the board shall be members of the same political party. All vacancies, except through the expiration of term, shall be filled for the unexpired term only.
Amended 1948, c.90, s.1; 1973, c.294, s.1; 2001, c.132, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-1.1 - Designation of president of board.

48:2-1.1 Designation of president of board.
2. The Governor shall designate one of the members of the Board of Public Utilities as president of the board. Any member of the board so designated shall serve as the president at the pleasure of the Governor making that designation and until a successor has been designated. The president of the board shall be its presiding officer and the chief administrative officer of the Board of Public Utilities. The other members of the board shall be eligible to appointment to fill a vacancy in the office of president of the board.
L.1948,c.90,s.2; amended 2001, c.132, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-1.4 - Effective date

48:2-1.4. Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and forty-eight, except that any designation permitted by this act may be made prior to such date.
L.1948, c. 90, p. 507, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-2 - Seal; employees; compensation

48:2-2. Seal; employees; compensation
The board shall have a common seal. It shall appoint a secretary, assistant secretaries, counsel and such other employees as it may deem necessary and fix their duties and terms of service. It shall fix the compensation of all officers and employees, subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, except where otherwise provided by statute.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-3 - Office; director of office management; meetings

48:2-3. Office; director of office management; meetings
The board shall have a principal office and such other offices in such place and places as the Governor in writing may designate, and shall be provided with all necessary furniture, stationery, maps, supplies and office appliances. The board shall appoint a director of office management to serve such office and offices and fix his duties and terms of service. It shall fix the compensation of the director of office management at not less than range code A-32 under the State of New Jersey Compensation Plan, effective June 23, 1973. The board shall meet at such times and places within this State as it may provide.
Amended by L.1951, c. 326, p. 1162, s. 1, eff. July 17, 1951; L.1974, c. 82, s. 1, eff. Aug. 13, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-3.1 - Principal office; filing of copy of designation

48:2-3.1. Principal office; filing of copy of designation
Upon the designation by the Governor of the principal office of the Board of Public Utility Commissioners pursuant to section 48:2-3 of the Revised Statutes, the board shall file in the office of the Secretary of State a copy of such designation, and thereafter, wherever reference is made in any law to the office of the board in Trenton it shall be given effect as though it specifically referred to said principal office so designated.
L.1951, c. 326, p. 1162, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-4 - Duties of secretary

48:2-4. Duties of secretary
The secretary or in his absence an assistant secretary shall keep full and correct minutes of all the transactions and proceedings of the board and perform the other duties required of him. He shall be the official reporter of the proceedings of the board.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-5 - Salary

48:2-5. Salary
The members of the board shall each receive such compensation as shall be provided by law.
Amended by L.1962, c. 65, s. 10; L.1962, c. 198, s. 3; L.1973, c. 294, s. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1974; L.1974, c. 55, s. 4, eff. July 1, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-6 - Traveling expenses

48:2-6. Traveling expenses
The members, secretary, assistant secretaries and other employees of the board shall be entitled to receive from the State their necessary traveling expenses while traveling on the business of the board. Such traveling expenses shall be paid on proper voucher therefor approved by the president of the board.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-8 - Connection with public utilities or government office.

48:2-8 Connection with public utilities or government office.
48:2-8. No member or employee of the board shall have any official or professional relation or connection with, or hold any stock or securities in, any public utility as herein defined, operating within this State, or hold any other office of profit or trust under the government of this State or of the United States; except that a member may hold an office under the government of this State for which the member does not receive a salary.
amended 1962, c.198, s.5; 1973, c.294, s.3; 2020, c.36.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-9 - Reports of findings and decisions; publications

48:2-9. Reports of findings and decisions; publications
The board shall furnish its secretary or in his absence an assistant secretary such of its findings and decisions as, in its judgment, may be of general public interest. The secretary or in his absence an assistant secretary shall compile the same for the purpose of publication in a series of volumes to be designated "Reports of the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of the State of New Jersey," which shall be published in such form and manner as may be best adapted for public information and use. Such publications shall be competent evidence of the reports and decisions of the commission therein contained without any further proof or authentication thereof. The contents of the reports shall not be under the supervision or control of the official State editor.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-10 - Certified copies of records as evidence

48:2-10. Certified copies of records as evidence
Copies of all official documents and orders filed or deposited in the office of the board, certified by a member thereof or the secretary to be true copies, under the official seal of the board, shall be evidence in like manner as the originals in all courts of this State. The board may charge and collect for such copies in accordance with section 48:2-56. The fees so collected shall be paid into the treasury of the State.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-10.1 - Definitions.

48:2-10.1 Definitions.
1. As used in sections 1 through 4 of P.L.2021, c.96 (C.48:2-10.1, C.48:2-10.2, C.48:2-32.8, and C.48:2-32.9):
"Board" means the Board of Public Utilities or any successor agency.
"Contested case" shall have the same meaning as provided in section 2 of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-2).
"Emergency" means a period of time during which the Governor has declared the existence of a public health emergency, pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-3), or a state of emergency, pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.).
"Policy matter" means a matter:
a. where the board conducts quasi-legislative proceedings that are informational, intended to provide a forum for the expression of public sentiment on a proposed agency action, or to examine broad policy issues affecting entire industries or large, undefined classes of people;
b. where the board has not established a proceeding; or
c. that is not the subject of a pending or impending contested case.
"Public document search system" or "search system" means the electronic public document search system established, maintained, and updated, as appropriate, by the board, through the board's Internet website, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2021, c.96 (C.48:2-10.2).
L.2021, c.96, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-10.2 - Electronic public document search system.

48:2-10.2 Electronic public document search system.
2. a. No later than 90 days after the effective date of P.L.2021, c.96 (C.48:2-10.1 et al.), the board shall establish, maintain, and update, as appropriate, an electronic public document search system, through the board's Internet website, that shall allow users to obtain board proceeding documents and docket information online. The search system shall reflect all filings and comments made to the board, in electronic or in printed form, and shall provide for the managing and facilitating of public access to all filings, orders, notices, rulemakings, comments, or other board proceeding documents, as well as allow parties to electronically file these documents. The search system shall be subject to all of the following requirements:
(1) as soon as practicable, and not later than seven calendar days after a document is electronically filed with the board, the document shall be publicly accessible on the search system, unless a longer period of time is needed, as determined by the board, due to an emergency or to address confidentiality, other privacy claims, or digitization of non-electronic records;
(2) all documents on the search system shall be available to the public free of charge;
(3) any information within a document that is prohibited from public disclosure by law or board order shall be exempt from inclusion in the search system;
(4) all board-initiated documents shall be text-searchable and in a machine-readable format and the board shall encourage the filing of documents in text-searchable and machine-readable formats, which capabilities shall be preserved in the search system;
(5) to the extent practicable, external websites shall be able to link documents to the search system;
(6) the board shall provide access to all digital audio and visual files of board recordings when those files become available on its website, and shall explore the technical and financial practicality of including its recordings in the search system; and
(7) the search system shall provide a search function for public use.
b. In developing the search system, the board shall implement technology in order to improve security, data accessibility, affordability, and performance, and to minimize the burden on pro se litigants.
L.2021, c.96, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-13.1 - Rural, electric cooperatives; powers of board

48:2-13.1. Rural, electric cooperatives; powers of board
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, with respect to a rural, electric cooperative which is exclusively owned and controlled by the consumers it serves, the Board of Public Utilities shall not exercise any jurisdiction or control over the rates, charges or operation of the cooperative nor shall the approval of the board be required to authorize or validate any mortgage or encumbrance of real property of or the issuance or execution of any evidence of indebtedness by the cooperative, except that the board shall retain its jurisdiction to determine disputes concerning the territory served or to be served by an electric cooperative.
L.1983, c. 78, s. 1, eff. Feb. 24, 1983.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-13.1a - Customers of rural electric cooperative, electronic billing, payment permitted.

48:2-13.1a Customers of rural electric cooperative, electronic billing, payment permitted.
11. Upon the request of a customer, a rural electric cooperative may:
a. offer the customer the ability to receive or access, in electronic format, any periodic bill for service sent by such cooperative to its customers and any additional information sent by the cooperative to its customers as required by law, provided that any notice of disconnection, discontinuance or termination of service shall be sent to a customer in written form at the customer's legal mailing address in addition to being sent or being made available in electronic format; and
b. provide the customer of such cooperative the option of paying any such periodic bill via electronic means.
L.2010, c.91, s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-13.2 - Limited jurisdiction of Board of Public Utilities over certain nonpublicly-owned, nonprofit water companies

48:2-13.2 Limited jurisdiction of Board of Public Utilities over certain nonpublicly-owned, nonprofit water companies
1. The provisions of any law, rule, regulation or order to the contrary notwithstanding, with respect to a nonpublicly-owned, nonprofit water company which is exclusively owned and controlled by the consumers it serves, and provided that a majority of the entire membership of the association which controls the water company approves, the Board of Public Utilities shall not exercise any jurisdiction or control over the rates, charges or operations of the company; and the approval of the board shall not be required to authorize or validate any mortgage or encumbrance of real property, or the issuance or execution of any evidence of indebtedness by the company, except that the board shall retain its jurisdiction to determine disputes concerning the territory served or to be served by the company.
L.1997,c.203.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-14 - Approval of grants by municipalities of franchises and privileges to public utilities

48:2-14. Approval of grants by municipalities of franchises and privileges to public utilities
No privilege or franchise granted after May first, one thousand nine hundred and eleven, to any public utility by a political subdivision of this state shall be valid until approved by the board. Such approval shall be given when, after hearing, the board determines that the privilege or franchise is necessary and proper for the public convenience and properly conserves the public interests. In granting its approval the board may impose such conditions as to construction, equipment, maintenance, service or operation as the public convenience and interests may reasonably require.
Nothing herein shall require the approval by the board of any consent of a municipality or board of boulevard commissioners for the operation of any autobus in effect March twenty-fourth, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-six, which did not then require such approval to be valid.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-15 - Authority over interstate commerce; interstate co-operation

48:2-15. Authority over interstate commerce; interstate co-operation
(a) The board or the members thereof, whenever authorized by an Act of Congress to exercise any power or authority over interstate commerce, shall have full power and authority to administer the provisions of such act within this State, and in cases authorized under such act, in co-operation with boards of other States and the Interstate Commerce Commission.
(b) The board shall have all the power, and shall exercise its authority to regulate the transportation by any carrier for hire of passengers and property by land, water or air, between any place in this State and any place in another State or between places in this State whether or not partly through another State, including regulation of the adequacy of service and the safety of operation and equipment, except power and authority which has been heretofore expressly reserved to the United States by a valid enactment of the Congress of the United States, or which is hereafter so reserved by such an enactment of the Congress under powers delegated to the United States by the Constitution of the United States.
(c) The board, in exercising the power and authority granted to it by this section, shall co-operate with any similar duly constituted agency of any adjoining State in respect to the transportation of passengers and property between any place in this State and any place in an adjoining State or between places in this State partly through an adjoining State, and the board shall enforce the decision of any such agency of any adjoining State in respect to any such transportation through or within this State unless it shall affirmatively find that the action or omission to act required by the decision of any such agency of any adjoining State (1) is not required for the public convenience and necessity and (2) is detrimental to the best interest of the people of this State.
Amended by L.1957, c. 13, p. 31, s. 1, eff. April 3, 1957.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-16 - Supervisory and regulatory powers in general

48:2-16. Supervisory and regulatory powers in general
1. The board may, after hearing, upon notice, by order in writing, require every public utility:
Compliance with laws and ordinances. (a) To comply with the laws of the State and any municipal ordinance relating thereto, and to conform to the duties imposed upon it thereby or by the provisions of its own charter, whether obtained under general or special law of this State.
2. The board may, upon notice, by order in writing require every public utility:
System of accounts. (a) To keep its books, records and accounts so as to afford an intelligent understanding of the conduct of its business and to that end require every public utility of the same class to adopt a uniform system of accounting. Such system shall conform, in so far as in the judgment of the board is practicable, to any system adopted or approved by any Federal regulatory agency having jurisdiction.
Periodic reports. (b) To furnish periodically a detailed report of finances and operations in such form and containing such matters as the board may from time to time prescribe.
Notice of accidents. (c) To give such notice to the board as the board may by rule require, of any and all accidents which may occur within the State upon the property of any public utility directly or indirectly arising from or connected with its maintenance or operation, and the board may investigate any such accident and make such order or recommendation with respect thereto as in its judgment may be just and reasonable.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-16.1 - Examination and audit of accounts

48:2-16.1. Examination and audit of accounts
The Board may provide for the examination and audit of all accounts and may determine, after notice and hearing, the propriety of the allocation and entry of parts of items to 2 or more accounts, and the propriety of the entry of any items, and of the account or accounts in which they are entered, upon the books of a public utility.
L.1962, c. 198, s. 29.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-16.2 - Inspection and examination of books and records

48:2-16.2. Inspection and examination of books and records
The board's officers and employees may, under direction of the board, inspect and examine all books, accounts, papers, records and memoranda kept by any public utility in respect of any matter within the board's jurisdiction and which would not be privileged in any judicial proceeding.
L.1962, c. 198, s. 30.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-16.3 - Failure to file annual report on date due; penalty

48:2-16.3. Failure to file annual report on date due; penalty
Any public utility that shall fail to file any annual report on the day on which it shall be due, shall be subject to a penalty of $5.00 for each day thereafter until such report is filed. The Board of Public Utility Commissioners, if satisfied that the failure to comply with this provision was excusable, may waive the whole or part of the penalty herein imposed.
L.1971, c. 127, s. 1, eff. May 6, 1971.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-16.4 - Management audits

48:2-16.4. Management audits
The Board of Public Utilities shall establish procedures to provide for management audits to be performed on a regular or irregular schedule on all or any portion of the operating procedures and any other internal workings of every gas or electric utility subject to its jurisdiction. In any case where the board determines that an audit is necessary or desirable, it may order the audit to be performed by members of its staff, or it may require that the audit be performed under the supervision of designated members of the board's staff by an independent management consulting firm selected by the utility from a list provided by the board for the audit, which list shall include the names of at least five qualified firms, at least two of which shall be of nationally recognized stature. An audit shall be conducted at least once every 3 years, except where the board finds that an audit is unnecessary. In no event, however, shall an audit be conducted less than once every 6 years. All expenses of the audits shall be borne by the affected utilities. The results of each audit shall be filed with the board and shall be open to public inspection. Upon completion and review of an audit, if the person or firm performing or supervising the audit determines that any of the operating procedures or any other internal workings of the affected utility are inefficient, improvident, unreasonable, negligent or an abuse of discretion, the board may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, order the affected public utility to adopt such new or altered practices and procedures as the board shall find to be necessary to promote efficient and adequate service to meet the public convenience and necessity. All reasonable and proper costs and expenses, as determined by the board, of complying with any order of the board pursuant to this act shall be recognized by the board for all purposes as proper business expenses of the affected utility. Nothing in this act shall be deemed to interfere or conflict with any powers of the board or its staff to conduct an audit, investigation or review of the books, records and accounts of any gas or electric utility under its jurisdiction.
L.1982, c. 222, s. 1, eff. Dec. 30, 1982.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-17 - Filing list of officials and their duties with board

48:2-17. Filing list of officials and their duties with board
The board may require every public utility to file with the board a statement in writing, verified by the oaths of the president and secretary of the public utility, setting forth the name, title of office or position and post-office address, and the authority, power and duties of every officer, member of the board of directors, trustees, executive committee, superintendent, chief or head of construction and operation, or department, division or line of construction and operation thereof, in such form as to disclose the source and origin of each administrative act, rule, decision, order or other action of the corporation.
Every public utility shall, within 10 days after any change is made in the title of, or authority, powers or duties appertaining to any such office or position or the person holding the same, file with the board a like statement, verified in like manner, setting forth such change.
Every public utility shall file with the board the name, address and telephone number of the person or persons whom the board may contact, at any time, in the event of an emergency.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-18 - Depreciation accounts; rates of depreciation; conformity to rates

48:2-18. Depreciation accounts; rates of depreciation; conformity to rates
The board may, after hearing, upon notice, by order in writing, require every public utility to carry, whenever in the judgment of the board it may reasonably be required for the protection of stockholders, bondholders or creditors, a proper and adequate depreciation account in accordance with such rules, regulations and forms of account as the board may prescribe.
The board shall from time to time ascertain and determine, and by order in writing after hearing, fix proper and adequate rates of depreciation of the property of each public utility in accordance with such regulations or classifications. Such rates shall be sufficient to provide the amounts required, over and above the expense of maintenance, to keep the property in a state of efficiency corresponding to the progress of the industry.
Each public utility shall conform its depreciation accounts to the rate so ascertained. Amounts so provided shall not be expended otherwise than for depreciation, improvements, new construction, replacements, extensions or additions to the property of the public utility or for the retirement of debt incurred in connection therewith.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-19 - Investigations; valuation of property of public utility

48:2-19. Investigations; valuation of property of public utility
The board may:
a. Investigate upon its own initiative or upon complaint in writing any matter concerning any public utility;
b. Appraise and value the property of any public utility whenever in the judgment of the board it shall be necessary so to do for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of this chapter. In making such valuation the board may have access to and use any books, documents or records in the possession of any department or board of the state or any political subdivision thereof.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-20 - Testing appliances; access to premises; fees

48:2-20. Testing appliances; access to premises; fees
The board may:
a. Provide for the examination and test of any and all appliances used for the measuring of any product or service of a public utility;
b. By its agents, experts or examiners, enter upon any premises occupied by a public utility for the purpose of making the examinations and tests provided for in this chapter and to set up and use on such premises any apparatus and appliances necessary therefor;
c. Fix the fees to be paid by any consumer or user of any product or service of a public utility who may apply to the board for such examination or test to be made. Any consumer or user may have any such appliance tested upon the payment of the fees fixed by the board. If the appliance be found defective or incorrect to the disadvantage of the consumer or user such fees shall be repaid to him by the public utility.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.1 - Adjustment of rates during pendency of hearing

48:2-21.1. Adjustment of rates during pendency of hearing
The board may, during the pendency of any hearing instituted by it, on its own initiative or on petition, in which the approval or fixing of just and reasonable individual rates, joint rates, tolls, charges or schedules thereof, as well as commutation, mileage or other special rates is in issue, or at any other time, negotiate and agree with any public utility for an adjustment of the individual rates, joint rates, tolls, charges or schedules thereof, as well as commutation, mileage or other special rates for any product or service supplied or rendered by such public utility. Such adjustment may be for, or without, a specified limit of time. In no event shall any such adjustment be regarded as contractual. Such adjustment shall at all times be subject to change through the proceedings provided for by this chapter, or through negotiation and agreement under this section. The board as a part of any such negotiation and adjustment shall provide for the continuance, suspension or other disposition of any hearing of the character aforesaid then pending.
Amended by L.1962, c. 198, s. 14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.2 - Circumstances under which board not required to find rate base

48:2-21.2. Circumstances under which board not required to find rate base
In arriving at any determination as to the justness or reasonableness of any existing rate, fare or charge or in prescribing a just and reasonable rate, fare or charge, the board shall not be bound:
1. To find a rate base, if it determines that
(a) the applicable operating expenses plus depreciation and taxes of conducting the business, for which the rate, fare or charge is established, computed on the basis of the 12 months next preceding the month in which the proceeding is initiated, exceeds the revenue from such operation, during said period, under the existing rates, fares or charges and that the revenue under the proposed increased rates, fares or charges will not exceed such operating expenses, depreciation and taxes, or
(b) the gross operating revenue of the public utility, computed on the basis of the 12 months next preceding the month in which the proceeding is initiated, exceeds the depreciated book cost of its property used and useful in its business as a public utility, or
(c) the product or service is a new offering and not covered by an existing rate, fare or charge approved by the board.
When the board shall prescribe a rate, fare or charge without finding a rate base, it shall, in its determination, make a finding of the facts on the basis of which it prescribed such rate, fare or charge.
L.1962, c. 198, s. 31.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.3 - Stipulations extending suspension periods or waiving effective dates of tariffs or rates

48:2-21.3. Stipulations extending suspension periods or waiving effective dates of tariffs or rates
Any public utility may file with the board a written stipulation subject to the board's approval at any time extending the suspension periods provided for in this chapter or waiving the effective date of any tariff or rate.
L.1962, c. 198, s. 32.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.10 - Expenses incurred in complying with the worker and community right to know act considered as current expenses

48:2-21.10. Expenses incurred in complying with the worker and community right to know act considered as current expenses
The Board of Public Utilities shall consider all expenses incurred by a public utility in complying with the provisions of P.L.1983, c.315 (C.34:5A-1 et seq. ) as a current expense of providing utility service, which shall be charged to all ratepayers of the utility in the same manner as other current operating expenses of providing utility service.
L.1983, c. 315, s. 28, eff. Aug. 29, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.11 - Moneys received as reimbursement for costs incurred from insurance carrier or as result of legal action or settlement as moneys available

48:2-21.11. Moneys received as reimbursement for costs incurred from insurance carrier or as result of legal action or settlement as moneys available
In determining just and reasonable rates for any electric utility pursuant to R.S. 48:2-21, R.S. 48:2-21.1, or section 31 of P.L.1962, c. 198 (C. 48:2-21.2), the Board of Public Utilities shall provide that any moneys received by the utility as reimbursement for costs incurred, including those for replacement energy, from any insurance carrier, or as a result of any legal action or settlement shall be accounted for as moneys available to the utility.
L.1983, c. 461, s. 1, eff. Jan. 12, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.12 - Adjustment to rates to provide reimbursements received are applied to reduction of utility rates

48:2-21.12. Adjustment to rates to provide reimbursements received are applied to reduction of utility rates
The board shall make an appropriate adjustment to the rates charged to rate payers to provide that any reimbursements so received are applied properly for reducing utility rates at the utility's rate hearing next following the utility's receipt of those moneys if the board determines that those reimbursed costs are also being charged to rate payers.
L.1983, c. 461, s. 2, eff. Jan. 12, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.13 - Inapplicability of act to reimbursements under $100,000

48:2-21.13. Inapplicability of act to reimbursements under $100,000
The provisions of this act shall not apply to moneys reimbursed which are less than $100,000.00.
L.1983, c. 461, s. 3, eff. Jan. 12, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.14 - Fines, penalties not operating expense

48:2-21.14. Fines, penalties not operating expense
In determining just and reasonable rates for any electric utility pursuant to R.S. 48:2-21, R.S. 48:2-21.1, or section 31 of P.L. 1962, c. 198 (C. 48:2-21.2), the board shall not allow as an operating expense, any fines or penalties imposed pursuant to law and paid by the utility.
L. 1988, c. 100, s. 1..
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.15 - Rate reduction

48:2-21.15. Rate reduction
Any telecommunications carrier other than a telephone company, that is no longer subject to taxation on personal property pursuant to R.S. 54:4-1 et seq., or to taxation upon its gross receipts pursuant to P.L. 1940, c. 4 (C. 54:30A-16 et seq.) as a result of the amendments to sections 2 and 3 of P.L. 1940, c. 4 (C. 54:30A-17 and 54:30A-18) and to R.S. 54:4-1 made in sections 2, 3 and 4 of P.L. 1989, c. 2 shall, within 90 days of the operative date of this act, petition the Board of Public Utilities for a reduction in its rates. The board shall institute a hearing on the petition, and at the conclusion of the hearing shall determine the amount of the reduction in the rate base of the telecommunications carrier which reflects the elimination of the tax liability of such carrier under those amendments. The rate reduction shall not take effect prior to January 1 next following enactment of this act.
L. 1989, c. 3, s. 19.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.16 - Findings, declarations

48:2-21.16. Findings, declarations
1. a. The Legislature finds and declares that it is the policy of the State to:
(1) Maintain universal telecommunications service at affordable rates.
(2) Ensure that customers pay only reasonable charges for local exchange telecommunications services, which shall be available on a non-discriminatory basis.
(3) Ensure that rates for noncompetitive telecommunications services do not subsidize the competitive ventures of providers of telecommunications service.
(4) Provide diversity in the supply of telecommunications services and products in telecommunications markets throughout the State.
(5) Permit the board the authority to approve alternative forms of regulation in order to address changes in technology and the structure of the telecommunications industry; to modify the regulation of competitive services; and to promote economic development.
b. The Legislature further finds and declares that:
(1) In a competitive marketplace, traditional utility regulation is not necessary to protect the public interest and that competition will promote efficiency, reduce regulatory delay, and foster productivity and innovation.
(2) Whether measured by the number of interexchange companies operating in New Jersey, the variety and number of services and/or competitive alternatives, or barriers to entry, the interexchange telecommunications marketplace in New Jersey is sufficiently competitive to relieve interexchange telecommunications carriers from traditional utility regulation.
(3) Permitting the competitive interexchange telecommunications marketplace to operate without traditional utility regulation will produce a wider selection of services at competitive market-based prices.
(4) The board has found the interexchange telecommunications market place sufficiently competitive to relieve interexchange carriers from traditional utility regulation but found it lacked the authority to eliminate unnecessary regulatory constraints under the existing public utility statute.
(5) It is in the public interest to relieve interexchange telecommunications carriers from traditional utility regulation.
L.1991,c.428,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Public Utilities › Section 48:2-21.17 - Definitions.

48:2-21.17 Definitions.
2. As used in this act:
"Alternative form of regulation" means a form of regulation of telecommunications services other than traditional rate base, rate of return regulation to be determined by the board and may include, but not be limited to, the use of an index, formula, price caps, or zone of rate freedom.
"Assess" means, in relation to the Director of the Division of Rate Counsel in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury, the making of any assessment or statement of the compensation and expense of counsel, experts and assistants employed by rate counsel and billed by the Director of the Division of Rate Counsel in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury as a final agency order or determination to a local exchange telecommunications company or an interexchange telecommunications carrier filing a petition with the Board of Regulatory Commissioners pursuant to the provisions of this act.
"Board" means the Board of Regulatory Commissioners or its predecessor agency.
"Competitive service" means any telecommunications service determined by the board to be competitive prior to the effective date of this act or determined to be competitive pursuant to section 4 or 5 of this act, or any telecommunications service not regulated by the board.
"Interexchange telecommunications carrier" means a carrier, other than a local exchange telecommunications company, authorized by the board to provide long-distance telecommunications services.
"LATA" means Local Access Transport Area as defined by the board in conformance with applicable federal law.
"Local exchange telecommunications company" means a carrier authorized by the board to provide local telecommunications services.
"Protected telephone services" means any of the following telecommunications services provided by a local exchange telecommunications company, unless the board determines, after notice and hearing, that any of these services is competitive or should no longer be a protected telephone service: telecommunications services provided to business or residential customers for the purpose of completing local calls; touch-tone service or similar service; access services other than those services that the board has previously found to be competitive; toll service provided by a local exchange telecommunications company; and the ordering, installation and restoration of these services.
"Rate counsel" means the Division of Rate Counsel in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury acting pursuant to sections 46 through 54 of P.L.2005, c.155 (C.52:27EE-46 through C.52:27EE-54), as amended and supplemented by P.L.2010, c.34 (C.52:27EE-86 et al.).
"Telecommunications service" means any telecommunications service which is subject to regulation by the board pursuant to Title 48 of the Revised Statutes.
L.1991, c.428, s.2; amended 2010, c.34, s.13.