BILL NUMBER: S1846
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring utility
companies to reimburse consumers in the event of a prolonged power
outage
 
PURPOSE::
This bill would make utility companies responsible for the reimbursement
of any spoiled food or spoiled medication after a residential home expe-
riences a power outage lasting seventy-two consecutive hours or more.
Additionally, the bill would make utility companies responsible for the
reimbursement of spoiled food to local business owners.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Section one of this bill amends the public service law by adding a new
section 77-a to establish utility reimbursement requirements.
Section two provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
Recent storms have left thousands of New Yorkers without power and prop-
er refrigeration for days. This loss of power and proper refrigeration
over prolonged periods of time caused significant loss in food and medi-
cine for those individuals, families, and local business owners hit
hardest by the power outages. This legislation would provide relief
through reimbursement by the utility company.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
2022: S3784A S.8523 of 2018 - REFERRED TO ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law.