Bill > A03743

This bill requires each electric corporation to establish a unique priority phone number that remains operational 365 days a year specifically for customers who have documented medical needs requiring essential electricity. The priority phone number will serve multiple critical functions for these vulnerable customers, including: registering their medical needs status, receiving real-time information about potential power outages or emergencies, reporting outages, getting estimated restoration times, accessing safety precautions during power disruptions, obtaining information about dry ice or power charging locations, learning about cooling centers, understanding the claims process for spoiled food or medication, potentially receiving guidance about restoration prioritization or backup generators, and even getting assistance with transportation to medical facilities capable of supporting life-saving equipment. Electric corporations must proactively communicate the existence of this priority phone number through bill inserts, email, and their websites, and provide instructions for existing customers to maintain their medical needs registration. The goal is to create a dedicated communication channel to support and protect customers who rely on electricity for critical medical purposes during potential service disruptions.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3743