Bill > A00953

This bill, known as the "Consumer Utility Protections During Investigations Act" (CUPDI Act), establishes new protections for utility customers during formal investigations by the public service commission. The bill applies to residential and commercial gas, electric, and steam utility services, and prohibits utility corporations from imposing late fees, interest, or penalties during an investigation, though these charges can be imposed retroactively if the investigation ultimately favors the utility corporation. The bill mandates that utility services cannot be terminated for non-payment during an investigation, with a protection period lasting 120 days after the investigation's findings are published. Utility corporations are required to notify residential customers within ten days of an investigation's commencement through various communication channels like letters, bill notices, phone calls, and website postings. Additionally, the department must post a public notice about the investigation on its website within three days of its start. The bill also requires the public service commission to submit an annual report to key government officials detailing the investigations conducted, including case numbers and explanations of why certain provisions were deemed appropriate. The act defines an "investigation" as a formal proceeding examining utility billing, rates, or charges, and specifically excludes individual customer complaints and major change proceedings from this definition.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A953