Directs certain unclaimed electric, gas, and water public utility deposits in Unclaimed Utility Deposits Trust Fund and societal charge revenues to be paid to Statewide nonprofit public utility assistance organizations meeting certain eligibility criteria.

This bill redirects 75% of annual unclaimed electric, gas, and water utility deposits from the Unclaimed Utility Deposits Trust Fund to designated statewide nonprofit public utility assistance organizations (like SHARES). It directly affects low-income residential customers who have exhausted other utility assistance resources and are facing temporary payment difficulties. The key mechanism requires the Board of Public Utilities to select an eligible nonprofit to receive these funds, which must be used exclusively to prevent utility service termination or restore service for qualifying households. Organizations must annually report recipient numbers, assistance amounts, and fund usage to the Board of Public Utilities. (Bill A-1048, introduced January 13, 2026)