The Telecommunications and Utilities Committee is responsible for monitoring all segments of the telecommunications and utilities industry in New Jersey. The panel oversees issues affecting cable television, the Internet, public utilities, telecommunications technologies, and the energy industry.
Democratic Research Aide:  Ben A. Graziano   
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CHIVUKULA CALLS FOR CHANGES TO EDECA TO SPUR RETAIL COMPETITION IN ENERGY MARKETPLACE IN N.J.

Assembly Utilities Chairman Upendra J. Chivukula today announced that it is important to update the landmark EDECA (Electric Discount and Energy Competition) Act of 1999 to reflect changes in the marketplace and to evolve a fully articulated retail energy policy for New Jersey as well as a road map for the industry towards achieving those policy goals.

Chivukula made the announcement after the Assembly Telecom & Utilities Committee recently heard testimony from stakeholders on issues concerning the State's retail electric supply policy and ways to better serve New Jersey's ratepayers...

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Barnes & DeAngelo Bill Creating Disaster Information Act Encouraging Frequent Updates, Advisories during Severe Weather Advances

Asm. Peter Barnes The Assembly Telecommunications Committee on Thursday released legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Peter J. Barnes III and Wayne P. DeAngelo to establish guidelines for service providers and the state to disseminate information in future weather emergencies.

"During Sandy, thousands of residents were without gas, power and other services for days and, also, without any information on when any of these services would be restored," said Barnes (D-Middlesex). "Sandy was the first storm this great in size and power New Jersey has seen in all of state history. It is extremely important to have a statewide plan in place that will help keep residents informed during weather emergencies like Sandy..."

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Wisniewski, Chivukula & Coughlin Wind Energy Development Bill Clears Assembly Panel

Asm. John Wisniewski An Assembly panel on Thursday advanced legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John S. Wisniewski, Upendra J. Chivukula and Craig Coughlin to provide incentives for companies exploring wind energy development.

"Rising electricity costs and environmental concerns urge us to seek new ways to create, conserve and protect our energy resources," said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). "Wind farms and the production of clean, renewable energy will be keys to creating the sustainable future New Jersey greatly deserves..."

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Benson, Caride & Fuentes Bill to Protect Consumers from Being Barraged by Misleading Calls from Electric Suppliers Released by Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assembly Democrats Daniel R. Benson, Marlene Caride and Angel Fuentes sponsored to protect consumers from being slammed by calls from electric power suppliers making false and misleading claims was released Thursday by an Assembly committee.

The bill (A-3422) bans electric power suppliers from making false and misleading claims to potential customers. The bill also limits suppliers' calls to customers to once per year where no business relationship exists.

"We've seen growing problem of consumers getting slammed by these calls, many of which appear to include false and misleading claims," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "New Jersey has taken strong steps to protect consumers from aggravating telemarketing calls. This area should be no different."

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More Gun Violence Prevention Bills, Tougher Penalties for Child Pornography, Mortgage Assistance & Helping Businesses Avoid Impending Tax Hike Highlight Thursday Assembly Committee Meetings

Consumer Electronics Protection, Relief from Utility Telemarketing, Enhanced Requirements for Utilities During Disasters & Mental Health Parity Also on Tap

More gun violence prevention bills, tougher penalties for child pornography, helping homeowners avoid foreclosure and helping businesses avoid an impending tax increase top Thursday's Assembly committee agendas.

Consumer electronics protections, relief from telemarketing by utilities, enhanced public notice requirements for utilities during emergencies and mental health parity are also on tap...

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