NY A02708

Directs the New York State Public Service Commission to conduct an immediate study of consumer protections adopted by electric corporations and utilities under Public Service Law Article 2

Requires the study to analyze effectiveness of utility procedures for notifying customers in arrears about avoiding service termination, deferred payment agreements, and the adequacy of PSC assistance to customers negotiating such agreements

Mandates the report include data on deferred payment plans by service territory, unlawful down payment demands, shutoff hotline call volumes, and Home Energy Assistance Program recipients whose service was terminated for non-payment

Requires the PSC to seek comments from utilities, municipalities, consumer advocates and the public, and may include recommendations to improve consumer protection policies

Establishes a moratorium on utility service terminations for residential customers in arrears from December 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015 if the study is not submitted by November 15, 2014