Requires public utilities de-privatization study; appropriates $100,000.

S 2706 requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to hire a third party to study whether de-privatizing public utilities (like electricity or water providers) would be feasible and cost-effective. The study must examine two main options: public entities (e.g., government agencies) acquiring or jointly operating utilities, or public entities partnering with existing utilities. It will analyze short- and long-term costs, benefits, environmental impacts, service effects, and ratepayer costs, and must be completed within one year. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the state General Fund to cover the study and mandates a final report with recommendations for the Governor and Legislature.