BILL NUMBER: S1200B
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring the
establishment of automatic payment plans
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to require the establishment of automatic
payment plans by certain combination utility companies
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the public service law.
Subsection 1 identifies the utility automatic payment plan. Authorizes
the Public Service Commission to direct utilities to a statewide program
to provide automatic affordable payment plans.
Subsection 2 requires the PSC to engage with utilities to provide a
mechanism for the utility that will provide a list a qualified individ-
ual for the automatic affordable payment plans.
Subsection 2(a) requires the PSC to provide a mechanism for the review
and submission of qualified customer's documentation.
Subsection 3 requires eligible customers to submit the proper documenta-
tion of their eligibility.
Subsection 4(a) directs utilities to consider the circumstances and
financial condition of the customer.
Subsection 4(b) establishes that each payment plan shall give customers
21 days from which the bill was sent to pay it in full.
Subsection 5 authorizes the Attorney General to bring action against
utilities who violate this article.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Affordable payment plans should provide customers with reasonable means,
time, and structure to pay their often-high extraordinarily energy
bills, especially during a period of inflation. Payment plans should
also be more accessible and available to more individuals who have
demonstrated the need and should not be tools for generational debt.
This legislation directs utilities that provide combination services
(electric, gas, and steam) to provide a mechanism that will review and
submit documentation of qualified customers for enrollment to automated
payment plans. As such, customers will be in much better positions to
pay their bills and utilities will have less customer accounts past due.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S8983 - COMMITTED TO RULES
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect take effect immediately.