Bill > A02186

This bill directs the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct a comprehensive study on consumer protections in the utility sector, with a focus on electric, gas, and steam services. The study will examine how utilities notify customers about potential service disconnection, the availability of deferred payment agreements, and the effectiveness of the PSC's assistance to customers facing potential utility service termination. Specifically, the report must include detailed information such as the number of deferred payment plans by service territory, instances of utilities requiring excessive down payments, the performance of the PSC's shutoff hotline, and the number of utility customers who lost service after previously receiving Home Energy Assistance Program support. The PSC is required to seek input from utilities, municipalities, consumer advocates, and the public, and may propose legislative remedies to improve consumer protections. If the report is not submitted by November 15, 2026, the bill mandates a moratorium on utility service terminations for residential customers from December 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The report will be made publicly available on the PSC's website, and the bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2186