Bill > S01552

This bill amends the public service law to establish mandatory reduced residential rates for electric and natural gas service for low-income customers. The bill requires electric and gas corporations to provide rate reductions between 25% and 35% for customers receiving certain government assistance benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and Home Energy Assistance Program. Utility providers must actively work to identify and enroll eligible customers, including providing application forms on websites, in offices, and through bill inserts, and cooperating with social service agencies to verify customer eligibility through privacy-protected data exchanges. The Public Service Commission is tasked with overseeing these programs, establishing income and categorical eligibility standards, and ensuring that the cost of these rate reductions is not disproportionately borne by any single customer class. The bill requires utilities to mitigate the revenue impact through measures like applying excess earnings, disallowing certain performance bonuses, and using uncommitted surcharge funds. The reduced rate program must be implemented no later than January 1, 2027, with utilities required to submit annual reports on program participation and effectiveness.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1552