NY A10480

Requires investor-owned combination utility companies headquartered in New York to establish automatic affordability payment plans for qualifying low-income individuals within 180 days of enactment.

Fiscal costs of the program cannot be borne by customers or added to utility bills.

Eligible participants include individuals receiving benefits from 15 specified assistance programs including TANF, SNAP, SSI, HEAP, SSDI, and emergency rental assistance, plus other income-based programs identified by the Public Service Commission.

Requires utility companies to consider customer circumstances when devising payment plans including ability to pay, payment history, anticipated energy assistance benefits, and hardship from service loss.

Permits customers a minimum of 21 days from bill date to pay in full, and prohibits automatic fund withdrawals before the due date unless customer agrees otherwise; Attorney General may pursue civil penalties up to $100 per violation or $1,000 per violation for patterns or practices.