May 5, 2008 - 1:19pm
Press Release

Want access to post press releases? To sign up, use this form. You must be logged in.

CHIVUKULA BILL FOR PAPERLESS ELECTRIC, WATER BILLING RELEASED BY ASSEMBLY UTILITIES COMMITTEE

Assembly Democrats News Release

CHIVUKULA BILL FOR PAPERLESS ELECTRIC, WATER BILLING RELEASED BY ASSEMBLY UTILITIES COMMITTEE

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities panel today released legislation Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula sponsored to give electric and water utility customers the option of paperless billing.

"Paperless billing and electronic payments are the smart choice in terms of cost, convenience and minimizing the impact of paper bills on the environment," said  Chivukula (D-Somerset). "This environmentally-friendly measure would not only make it easier for customers to pay their bills, it also would remove tons of paper from the waste stream."

Under the measure (A-2610), water and electric utilities would be permitted to offer paperless billing and accept electronic payments upon the request of a customer. Any notice of disconnection or termination of utility service would continue to be sent by regular mail in addition to being forwarded as an electronic notice.

"Every New Jersey household of the state is a utility customer," said Chivukula. "If even a fraction of customers opt for paperless billing, millions of tons of paper could be kept out of landfills."

The measure was released 6 to 0. It now heads to the Speaker, who will decide if and when to post it for a floor vote.

###

GITA BAJAJ can be reached via email at gbajaj@njleg.org.