Bill > S04432

This bill establishes a mandatory residential gas service rate discount program for low-income and senior households in New York. Under the program, gas corporations must offer discounted rates to households with gross incomes at or below 80% of the area median income or with a median age of 62 or older. The key provision requires that eligible households pay no more than 6% of their total monthly income for gas, oil, kerosene, or petroleum services. Gas corporations must apply this discount directly to the household's bill and clearly show the reduced rate. Households must submit proof of income to qualify, and gas corporations are required to submit annual compliance reports to the state detailing the number of consumers receiving the discount, verification procedures, marketing efforts, and rate information. The bill also creates a special state fund to support these discounts, which can receive revenues from penalties, appropriations, and potential grants. To enforce compliance, the attorney general can seek injunctions and impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with collected penalties going into the new fund. The program will take effect 60 days after becoming law, giving gas corporations time to implement the new requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4432