NJ Assembly May Vote on Sub-Metering Bill

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Chris Hogan

Bill #A1628, which would advance water conservation by allowing sub-metering of water and sewer service in rental housing across the state and has been long supported by the NJAA, has been posted for a vote in the New Jersey General Assembly for Monday, January 11, 2010.  In brief, the Bill would allow for installation of sub-meters and billing of tenants for water and/or sewerage service used by their unit.  Among other requirements, the use of sub-metering would have to be disclosed in the tenant's lease in a "clear and conspicuous" manner" and "in plain language" and the bills sent to the tenant would have to include certain specified information.  As it presently reads, the Bill is fair and comprehensive.  A copy of #A1628 in its present form can be found here. 

The NJ Legislature is currently in what is commonly known as its "lame-duck" session and the Assembly has a number of bills posted for consideration on 1/11/10 so it remains to be seen what, if any, action will take place on #A1628 on 1/11/10.  Yes, there would be an initial cost outlay.  However, passage of this Bill would be a positive thing for apartment owners and managers in the long run, as it would enable them to better monitor, control and recoup costs for water and sewer.  Let's hope that the Assembly gets to it and passes it and then it would be on to the New Jersey Senate.

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Comments (3) Read through and enter the discussion with the form at the end
Benjamin Levy - January 21, 2010 9:39 AM

Thank you for posting this. It is certainly welcome news that the NJ legislature might enact this bill. Submetering is the only allocation system that is actually fair to all residents-accurately reflecting consumption. It is also the only allocation system proven to lower water consumption by at least 15%.

We can only hope for the bill's swift passage.

Chris Hogan - January 21, 2010 2:46 PM

Benjamin: Thanks for stopping by and for the comment. Agreed on on sub-metering. Unfortunately, it appears that the NJ Legislature did not get to the bill on 1/11/10 b4 the legislative session ended. However, Senator Vitale has already posted #S-819 for the 2010 session and it is substantially similar to #A-1628. Check back for analysis of #S-819. Thanks, Chris Hogan

Paulina Werthen - March 3, 2010 12:08 PM

Is there a Bill regarding electric sub-metering? If so, what's the number.

Thanks.

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