NY A00688

Allows owners of master-metered residential rental buildings to apply to convert to submetering if they meet specified requirements and obtain Public Service Commission approval.

Requires applicants to notify all tenants within 30 days of filing, providing information about the proposal, public comment periods, hearing dates, application details, economic advantages, system reliability, rate calculations capped at local utility rates, and complaint procedures.

Mandates applicants submit thermal characteristic studies, 24 months of electrical usage records, projected submetered rates by unit type, and plans to replace non-energy star appliances with energy star rated ones.

Establishes a two-tiered approval process with initial conditional approval lasting one year, followed by final approval if actual metered rates are submitted; denials can be reapplied after six months.

Requires applicants to pay for independent energy analysis if at least 50 percent of tenants request it and provide three qualified consultant bids, and ensures utility assistance payments continue under state social services law.