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

This bill (A2673) prohibits New Jersey public utilities (like gas, electric, or water companies) from raising rates for products or services until the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) completes a hearing and formally determines the increase is "just and reasonable." Currently, utilities can implement rate hikes before the hearing concludes, but this bill requires them to wait for the BPU's final approval. The key mechanism shifts the timeline: utilities must wait for the hearing's conclusion and the BPU's written determination before increasing rates, placing the burden on the utility to prove the increase is justified. This applies specifically to rate increase petitions filed under existing BPU regulations.