No gas company subject to regulation by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of this State shall change the character or heating quality of gas supplied to its customers in this State, except to the extent which may be approved, after hearing, by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of this State as consistent with the public interest and the interest of consumers and the general welfare of the State and its citizens. No gas company hereafter formed or commencing business in this State, and which is subject to regulation by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of this State, shall supply gas to its customers until the character or heating quality of such gas shall have been approved by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of this State as consistent with the public interest and the interest of consumers and the general welfare of the State and its citizens.
N.J.S. § 48:9-25.1