Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.

This bill (S 271) prohibits public utilities in New Jersey from disconnecting residential electric, gas, water, or sewer service due to nonpayment for 180 days after the end of the coronavirus public health emergency (March 9, 2020). Instead, utilities must offer residential customers deferred payment agreements allowing up to 48 months to repay past-due bills. The requirement applies to all residential customers except in cases of safety emergencies (e.g., hazardous conditions). This policy directly affects households struggling with utility bills during the post-pandemic transition period.