Bill > S04339

This bill clarifies and establishes new procedural requirements for the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) when handling customer petitions about utility services. The bill defines a "customer" broadly to include individuals, groups, local government officials, and the state's consumer protection division, and specifies what types of petitions can be filed, such as complaints about utility service failures, violations of regulations, rate charges, or service quality. The legislation mandates that the PSC must complete its investigation and issue a determination on a petition within 90 days, with an expedited 30-day timeline for emergency or health and safety-related petitions. If the PSC cannot meet these timelines, it must provide a written explanation to the petitioner. The bill also requires the PSC to submit an annual report to state legislative leaders detailing the number and status of petitions, including how many were resolved within statutory timeframes. Additionally, if the PSC fails to meet these timelines, petitioners may file a special proceeding and potentially receive attorney's fees and court costs. The bill includes a provision for the PSC to address any pending petitions within 180 days of the act's effective date and report on their resolution.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4339