NY A05620

Direct the Public Service Commission to conduct an immediate study of consumer protections adopted by electric corporations and municipalities, with results reported to the governor and legislative leaders by November 15, 2022.

Report must analyze effectiveness of utility notification procedures for customers in arrears, availability of deferred payment agreements, and instances where utilities exceeded lawfully allowed down payment requirements.

Report must include data on the Public Service Commission's shutoff hotline call volume by utility service territory and the number of Home Energy Assistance Program recipients whose service was terminated for non-payment in the previous year.

Impose a moratorium on residential utility disconnections from December 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 if the study is not completed by November 15, 2022; utilities may still charge for services and offer deferred payment agreements during the moratorium.

Seek input from utilities, municipalities, consumer advocates, and the public; may include legislative recommendations to improve consumer protection policies in the final report.