Requires public utilities to provide customers notice of request for increase in rates; revises requirements related to hearings on proposed rate increases.

This bill (A 229) requires New Jersey public utilities (electric, gas, water, and sewer providers) to notify customers directly about proposed rate increases. Specifically, utilities must include clear notice about upcoming hearings in customer bills or through newspaper ads in each county they serve. The bill also changes where public hearings must be held: in the largest-population municipality affected by the rate change, or in each affected county if multiple counties are involved. Utilities must also address public questions and comments raised during these hearings. These changes apply to all rate increase requests filed with the Board of Public Utilities.