Prohibits public utility from increasing rates until conclusion of hearing and BPU determination that rate increase is just and reasonable.

This bill requires New Jersey public utilities to wait until the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) completes a hearing and determines that a requested rate increase is "just and reasonable" before implementing the increase. Currently, utilities can raise rates after BPU approval but before the hearing concludes. The bill amends state law to prevent rate hikes during the hearing process, directly affecting utilities seeking increases for services like electricity, gas, or water. This change ensures rate adjustments only take effect after the BPU fully reviews and approves them.