Bill > S05181

This bill requires each electric corporation to establish a unique priority phone number that will be available 365 days a year for customers who have documented medical needs requiring essential electricity. The phone number will serve multiple critical purposes, including allowing customers to register their medical needs, receive real-time information during electric service disruptions, and access important support services. Specifically, customers can use this dedicated phone line to: register their medical needs, get storm and outage updates, report outages, receive estimated restoration times, obtain safety precautions, learn about dry ice and power charging locations, get information about cooling centers, initiate claims for spoiled food or medication, potentially receive information about restoration prioritization and backup generators, and even get assistance with transportation to a hospital capable of powering life-saving equipment. Electric corporations must publicize this phone number through bill inserts, email, and their websites, and provide guidance on how existing customers can maintain their medical needs registration. The bill aims to provide a comprehensive support system for vulnerable customers during electric service emergencies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5181