Bill > S04532

This bill directs the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to impose more stringent requirements on electric and steam corporations when they fail to provide adequate service or experience service interruptions. Specifically, the bill mandates that when electric corporations in cities with over one million residents experience a service interruption lasting 12 hours or more within a 24-hour period, they must reimburse customers for property damages, including losses of perishable items, medications, electrical equipment, and business revenues. The reimbursements have minimum thresholds: $500 for food and medications, $1,000 for electrical equipment, and $10,000 for lost business. The PSC is empowered to require rate refunds or reductions of at least 5% when service quality standards are not met, and additional compensation will be provided for each subsequent 48-hour period of service interruption. Similar provisions are established for steam corporations in cities with over one million residents. The bill also requires the PSC to review its existing policies by April 1, 2026, and report to state leaders on whether additional legislation is needed to ensure adequate customer compensation. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with the PSC immediately authorized to prepare for implementation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4532