Bill > S01327

This bill establishes minimum standards for utility payment plans, requiring the public service commission to create guidelines that protect customers facing financial hardship. The bill mandates that utility companies develop payment plans that consider a customer's household income, ability to pay, payment history, and special circumstances when determining reasonableness. Key provisions include: requiring at least 21 days to pay a bill, preventing automatic fund withdrawals before the due date, spreading rate changes proportionally across a payment plan, and prohibiting service termination for customers in good standing with a payment plan. The bill defines eligibility for these payment plans through a comprehensive list of 18 income-based assistance programs, including SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, HEAP, and others. Customers must provide documentation from these programs dated within the past 365 days to qualify. The goal is to provide more flexible and compassionate utility billing options for low-income and financially vulnerable households, ensuring they can maintain essential services while managing their utility debt. The bill will take effect 30 days after becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1327