A new bill in New Jersey would require electric distribution lines to be placed underground in areas affected by severe weather or natural disasters, aiming to improve reliability and safety. This legislation would mandate that the Board of Public Utilities establish standards for this underground installation wherever feasible.

Overview of the New Jersey bill on underground utility lines

Bill Details

• Bill Name: S93
• Introduced: January 13, 2026
• Current Status: Referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee on 1/13/2026

Key Provisions

• Underground Installation: The bill mandates that electric distribution lines must be installed underground in areas that have experienced severe weather or natural disasters.
• Definition of Major Catastrophic Events: A major catastrophic event is defined as a natural disaster, such as a severe storm, flood, or earthquake, that causes widespread power outages affecting at least 10% of customers.
• Board of Public Utilities (BPU): The BPU is responsible for establishing standards for the underground installation of utility lines in response to these events.

Purpose and Benefits

• Safety and Reliability: The bill aims to enhance the reliability of electric service and reduce outages caused by severe weather.
• Long-term Cost Savings: By minimizing damage from storms and other disasters, the bill could lead to lower maintenance costs and improved public safety.

This proposed legislation reflects its supporters’ commitment to improving infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing severe weather events.