Bill > S04110

This bill requires telephone companies to provide their residential subscribers with an annual written or electronic notice about backup power solutions for voice services that are not line-powered. The notice must disclose specific details including service limitations, purchase and replacement information, expected backup power duration, proper usage and storage conditions, suggestions for maximizing backup power during prolonged outages, and self-testing instructions. The notice must be sent separately from monthly billing statements and be written in at least 11-point font with clear, easily understandable language. The Public Service Commission is authorized to establish additional rules about the notice's content and format, and to ensure that subscribers receive this information even if their backup power solution is provided by a different telephone company than their voice service provider. The existing federal communications regulation (47 CFR 9.20(d)) can satisfy this notice requirement if it meets the state's formatting rules. The bill will take effect one year after becoming law and will automatically expire on September 1, 2027.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4110