Prior to granting a public utility a proposed adjustment which would result in an increase in individual rates, joint rates, tolls, charges or schedules thereof, the Board of Public Utilities or the Office of Administrative Law shall hold at least one public hearing in the municipality affected by the proposed adjustment. If more than one municipality is located in the service area affected by the proposed adjustment, the public hearing shall be held in a centrally located municipality in the affected service area. Notice of any such hearing shall be furnished in the manner provided for notices generally pursuant to subsections c. and d. of section 34 of P.L. 1962, c. 198 (C. 48:2-32.2). In the case of a hearing held by the Office of Administrative Law, proof of service of notice by a public utility shall be furnished to that office.
N.J.S. § 48:2-32.4