Gov. Christie's Bill Would Levy Hefty Fines Against Unprepared Utility Companies
Under governor's proposed legislation, utilities could face up to $25,000 per day in penalties for failing to adhere to their own service and communications plans.
Governor Chris Christie wants utility companies held accountable for their emergency preparedness. Following the findings of a Board of Public Utilities (BPU) investigation released Wednesday, Christie proposed legislation empowering regulators to levy hefty fines against utilities. The legislation raises potential administrative penalties against companies from $100 to $25,000 per daily assessment. Utility companies would be barred from passing along costs to ratepayers, Christie said. The bill prioritizes preparedness, according to Christie, requiring utility companies to provide detailed service delivery and communications plans to the BPU. Companies that fail to adequately follow their own plans will face the $25,000 per day civil …
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