BILL NUMBER: S1330
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 afforda-
ble payment plans.
Subsection 2 requires the PSC to engage with utilities to provide a
mechanism for the utility that will provide a list of qualified individ-
uals 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 high
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:
2023-24: S1200B
2021-22: S8983 - COMMITTED TO RULES
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.