Bill > S04233

This bill directs the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct a comprehensive study of consumer protections implemented by electric corporations and municipalities (utilities). The study must analyze the effectiveness of current utility procedures for notifying customers about potential service termination and ways to avoid disconnection, including deferred payment agreements. The PSC is required to gather detailed information such as the number of deferred payment plans in each utility service territory, instances of utilities requiring excessive down payments, the effectiveness of the commission's shutoff hotline, call volume to the hotline, and the number of customers who previously received Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits and had their service terminated. The bill mandates that the commission seek input from utilities, municipalities, consumer advocates, and the public, with the goal of potentially recommending improvements to existing consumer protection policies. If the study is not completed by November 15, 2026, the bill stipulates a moratorium on utility service terminations for residential customers from December 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The report must be made publicly available on the commission's website, ensuring transparency and providing insights into utility customer protections.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4233