BPU approves multiple tariff changes, transfers and a water‑company merger; all motions pass

The Board of Public Utilities on Jan. 14 approved a series of staff-recommended tariff changes, reconciliations and a merger intended to move remaining utility account balances away from ZEC recovery components and toward customer-assistance programs.

Stacy (staff), presenting item 2A, said PSE&G had petitioned on Sept. 30, 2025 to modify the refund of excess collections credit in its ZEC recovery charge and to transfer remaining balances to an energy efficiency and renewable energy program component. Staff recommended eliminating the ZEC recovery charge tariff, transferring the cumulative balance to the universal service fund component of the societal benefits charge (SBC), and directing PSE&G to file revised tariffs by Feb. 1; the board approved the recommendation on a roll-call vote.

Similar staff recommendations were approved for Butler Electric Company and Atlantic City Electric: both petitions sought reconciliation of recovery charges and staff asked the board to eliminate ZEC-related tariff components and authorize the transfer of cumulative balances to customer-assistance accounts or to use remaining balances to help senior customers. The board approved both motions on unanimous roll call.

The board also approved a finalized…