N.J. Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh Announces Annual Consumer Conference – New Jersey’s Future: Emerging Challenges in Telecommunications and Water

Newark, N.J.—New Jersey Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh will host the division’s daylong annual conference on Oct. 28, which will embrace the theme: New Jersey’s Future: Emerging Challenges in Telecommunications and Water. Several state, federal, non-profit and utility industry leaders will speak to this theme addressing key consumer issues.

The conference, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Monroe Township (Exit 8A on the N.J. Turnpike), is being organized to provide all state ratepayers, including private and not-for profit groups and individuals with information on state regulation of emerging technologies in telecommunications and increasing concerns over the quality and quantity of New Jersey's water resources.

The Division of the Ratepayer Advocate, is an independent state agency that represents and protects the interests of all utility customers—whenever companies in New Jersey seek changes in their rates or their delivery of natural gas, electric, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable TV services.

“The telecommunications industry is quickly changing and we want this conference to give consumers greater awareness of the latest issues around states rights, new technologies, mergers and other issues that are affecting their rates and services,” said Singh. “This conference will also offer a platform for the
exchange of ideas and recent efforts by top leaders and environmentalists to ensure that consumers receive the high quality water that is so essential to our daily lives.”

The conference program agenda includes the following:

Ratepayer Advocate Annual Conference Schedule:

• Opening Remarks (10 a.m.): Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh, Esq.
  
• Panel One (10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.): “Diminishing State Regulation of Telecommunications Services” – Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President Jeanne Fox; Dennis Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey; and Phil McClelland, Esq., of the Telecommunications Committee, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates.
  
• Luncheon Keynote Speaker (12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.): Congressman William Pascrell will speak on federal perspectives on water in the U.S.
  
• Panel Two (1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.): “New Jersey’s Water Supply: An Emerging Crisis” -- Senator Bob Smith, chairman of the Senate Environment Committee; BPU Commissioner Frederick Butler; Walter Lynch, President of New Jersey American Water Company; and Captain Bill Sheehan, Hackensack Riverkeeper.

Ratepayer Advocate staff members will be available throughout the conference to respond to comments and questions. Consumer educational materials will be distributed to registrants.

Because water quality and quantity will be an important part of the conference discussion, Singh, who promotes conservation of water and energy resources needed for utilities, encouraged consumers to consider including water conservation as part of their daily routine. A few key water tips she suggests taken from the Ratepayer Advocate’s newly updated free Consumer Conservation Handbook include:

Water Conservation Tips

• Turn off tap while brushing your teeth and use short bursts of water for rinsing

• Fix leaking faucets to prevent wasting water. For example, 60 drops per minute equals 192 gallons wasted per month.

• Never pour water down the drain if there is another use for it such as watering a plant or garden or for cleaning around your home.

• Chill tap water in the refrigerator instead of letting your water faucet run.

• Take foods out of the freezer early and place in the refrigerator to allow plenty of time for thawing instead of running tap water over it.

• Choose new water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.

• Install a high-pressure, low-flow showerhead.

• A quick shower uses less hot water than a bath in a full tub.

• Flush your toilet only when necessary.

• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

For more information on the handbook with conservation tips and for conference registration information, call the Ratepayer Advocate office at 973-648-2690 or download the registration form at www.rpa.state.nj.us. The conservation handbook is also available for downloading from the site.

The Division of the Ratepayer Advocate is an independent state agency that represents the interests of consumers of electric, natural gas, water/sewer and telecommunications and cable TV service. It serves as an active participant in every proceeding whenever New Jersey companies seek changes in rates or services. The Ratepayer Advocate also gives consumers a voice in setting long-range energy, water, and telecommunications policy that will affect the delivery of services well into the future. Additional information on this and other matters can be found at the Division of Ratepayer Advocate’s website at http://www.rpa.state.nj.us

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