NY A02673

Direct the Public Service Commission to immediately study consumer protections adopted by electric corporations and municipalities, with a report to the Governor, legislative leaders, and relevant committee chairs.

Require the report to analyze utility procedures for notifying customers in arrears about avoiding service termination, availability of deferred payment agreements, and the adequacy of PSC assistance in negotiating such agreements.

Include in the report the number of deferred payment plans by utility territory, instances of unlawful down payment requirements, call volume to the PSC shutoff hotline, and monthly terminations of customers previously receiving Home Energy Assistance Program benefits.

Institute a moratorium on utility service terminations to residential customers from December 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019 if the study is not completed by November 15, 2018; utilities may still charge for service and offer deferred payment agreements during this period.

Take effect immediately upon enactment.