Bill > A05442

This bill, known as the "Rate Hike Notice Act", requires utility companies in New York to provide customers with comprehensive notifications about proposed rate increases through multiple communication channels. Specifically, within one business day of publishing rate increase information, utilities must send a text message to customers who have not opted out, containing details such as the utility's name, the percentage increase for residential and commercial customers, instructions for finding more information, and a clarification that the rate increase is not yet final. Similarly, utilities must send an identical email notification to customers who have not opted out of email communications. Additionally, the next monthly billing statement must include a separate page with the same rate increase information. The bill aims to improve transparency by ensuring customers are promptly and thoroughly informed about potential changes to their utility rates. The act will take effect 60 days after becoming law and will not apply to rate change proceedings already in progress at the time of its enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5442