Requires electric public utilities to conduct wellness checks in age-restricted communities during power outages.

A4626

ASSEMBLY, No. 4626

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MARCH 10, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman� ALEX SAUICKIE

District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)

SYNOPSIS

���� Requires electric public utilities to conduct
wellness checks in age-restricted communities during power outages.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

An Act

concerning wellness checks in certain
communities during power outages and supplementing Title 48 of the Revised
Statutes.

����
Be It
Enacted
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� a.� As used in this
section:

���� �Age-restricted community�
means a planned real estate development, as defined in section 3 of P.L.1977,
c.419 (C.45:22A-23), consisting of dwelling units governed by a common set of
rules, regulations, or restrictions intended and operated for persons 55 years
of age or older.

���� �Electric public utility� or
�utility� means a public utility, as that term is defined in R.S.48:2-13, that
distributes electricity to end users within this State.

���� �Medical device� means any
device as defined in subsection (h) of 21 U.S.C. s.321 for use by a person.

���� �Power outage� means a
disruption in service provided by an electric public utility.

���� �Powered medical device� means
any medical device that requires electricity to operate and is necessary for
sustaining the health and safety of a person. ��Powered medical device�
includes, but is not limited to, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and
dialysis machines.

���� �Wellness check� means a visit
or telephone call conducted by a law enforcement officer, social worker, or
designated caregiver to ensure that a person who relies on a powered medical
device is safe and is able to use the powered medical device, if necessary.

���� b.��� In the event of a power
outage, the utility responsible for providing the electric service interrupted
by the power outage shall, on a daily basis until the resolution of the power
outage:

���� (1)�� in coordination with
county officials if applicable, identify and maintain a confidential registry
of residents in age-restricted communities who rely on powered medical devices,
which registry shall be updated at least annually;

���� (2)�� within one hour of the
onset of a power outage, prioritize the restoration of power to those
individuals on the registry created pursuant to this section; and

���� (3)�� if restoration of power
is not possible within four hours of the onset of the power outage:

���� (a)�� conduct or cause to be
conducted a wellness check on individuals listed in the registry created
pursuant to this section, ensuring the individuals have access to backup power
or alternative accommodations; and

���� (b)�� if after conducting a
wellness check, the utility knows that a person listed in the registry created
pursuant to this section does not have access to backup power or alternative
accommodations, provide backup power supplies, such as portable generators or
battery packs, or assist in relocating individuals to facilities with power if
necessary.

���� c.���� Electric public
utilities shall collaborate with county officials, local emergency services,
healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure the wellness checks
meet the requirements of this section.

���� 2.��� This act shall take
effect immediately.

STATEMENT

���� This bill requires, in the
event of a power outage, the electric public utility (utility) responsible for
providing the electric service interrupted by the power outage to conduct or
cause to be conducted a wellness check on persons with powered medical devices
in affected age-restricted communities in collaboration with county officials,
if applicable, until the resolution of the power outage.

���� Under the bill, utilities, in
coordination with county officials if applicable, are required to identify and
maintain a confidential registry of residents in age-restricted communities who
rely on powered medical devices.� This registry is required to be updated at
least annually.� Additionally, within one hour of the onset of a power outage,
the utility is required to prioritize the restoration of power to those
individuals on the registry created pursuant to the bill.

���� If restoration of power is not
possible within four hours, the utility is required to: (1) conduct or cause to
be conducted a wellness check on individuals listed in the registry to ensure
the individuals have access to backup power or alternative accommodations; and
(2) if after conducting a wellness check, the utility knows that a person
listed in the registry does not have access to backup power or alternative
accommodations, the utility is required to provide backup power supplies, such
as portable generators or battery packs, or assist in relocating individuals to
facilities with power if necessary.

���� The bill requires utilities to
collaborate with county officials, local emergency services, healthcare
providers, and community organizations to ensure the wellness checks meet the
requirements of the bill.�