BILL NUMBER: S9118
SPONSOR: OBERACKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to termination of
service, deferred payment plans and quarterly billing
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to protecting utility customers from service termination during
winter months and extreme weather conditions and ensuring access to
flexible payment plans and financial assistance options for ratepayers
facing hardship.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Paragraph (d) of subdivision 2 of section 32 of the public
service law, as added by chapter 713 of the laws of 1982, is amended to
read as follows: (d) financial notice for termination has been amended
to forty-five days.
Section 2. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 3 of section 32 of the public
service law, as added by chapter 713 of the laws of 1981, is amended to
read as follows: (b) to allow special procedures for termination or
restoration of service for those aged twenty-one or younger.
Section 3. Subdivision 1 of section 37 of the public service law, as
amended by chapter 686 of the laws of 2002, is amended as follows:
(1) deferred payment of the customer's bill, further providing that no
such down payment shall exceed one-third of the amount of arrears or
three months average billing.
Section 4. Subdivision 2 of section 38 of the public service law, as
added by chapter 716 of the laws of 1984 is amended as follows: (2) the
utility or municipality shall offer residential customers who are
fifty-five years of age or older, as an alternative to monthly billing,
a plan for payment on a quarterly basis of charges for gas and electric
service rendered by such corporation or municipality, provided that such
customer's average annual billing is not more than one hundred fifty
dollars.
 
EXISTING LAW:
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Access to heat and electricity during winter and extreme weather is
essential for health and safety. For seniors, individuals with medical
needs, and families facing financial hardship, the loss of utility
service can create serious and immediate risk. This bill provides rate-
payers with reassurance that service will not be terminated during crit-
ical periods when utility access is most necessary. It also ensures
customers experiencing financial hardship access to reasonable payment
plans, payment deferments and available assistance programs so they can
maintain service while working toward balance resolution.
By prioritizing continuity of service and flexible support options, this
legislation helps protect vulnerable New Yorkers and promotes fairness
in utility billing practices.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date upon which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
to be made and completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S9118: 32 public service law, 32(2) public service law, 32(3) public service law, 37 public service law, 37(1) public service law, 38 public service law, 38(2) public service law