BILL NUMBER: S120A
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to prohibiting
termination of residential utility service during forecasts of extreme
temperature
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill is meant to prevent nonpayment utility shutoffs during extreme
weather events which can be dangerous to utility customers' health.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The public service law is amended to prohibit the shutoff of electricity
during the day or night of a weather forecast of over 90 degrees or
under 32 degrees.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Existing laws prevent utility services from being shut off for residents
who will suffer severe health or safety impairments. Generally, this
status requires the submission of a written certification by a medical
practitioner to the utility provider. However, extreme summer weather
is becoming more common, and many individuals, even those without health
impairments, can become vulnerable to extreme heat.
In July of 2023, New York City saw an extreme heat advisory for several
days, with temperatures reaching 108 degrees. Heat-exacerbated deaths
have been increasing in the past decade, and in New York City alone, an
estimated 350 New Yorkers die because of heat and heat-related causes
each summer.
A balance due on one's electric or gas bill should not mean New Yorkers
risk their lives during the warmest and coldest days of the year. This
legislation follows the lead of many other state temperature-based
shutoff rules, including Arizona, Georgia, and Illinois, among others.
This legislation will tie the criteria to the National Weather Service
readings to prevent shutoffs during extreme heat and cold forecasts
throughout the state.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Passed Senate; 2024. Senate 7982-A.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S120: 32 public service law, 32(3) public service law
S120A: 32 public service law, 32(3) public service law