57. a. The Board of Public Utilities shall adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), standards for the inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement of the distribution equipment and facilities of electric public utilities. The standards may be prescriptive standards, performance standards, or both, and shall provide for high quality, safe and reliable service. The board shall also adopt standards for the operation, reliability and safety of such equipment and facilities during periods of emergency or disaster. The board shall adopt a schedule of penalties for violations of these standards.

b. In adopting standards pursuant to this section, the board shall consider cost, local geography and weather, applicable industry codes, national electric industry practices, sound engineering judgment, and past experience.

c. The board shall require each electric public utility to report annually on its compliance with the standards adopted pursuant to this section, and the utility shall make these reports available to the public.

L.1999,c.23,s.57.