NY S07668

Prohibits utility corporations and municipalities from terminating service to residential and small business customers experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship due to defaulted deferred payment agreements or arrears.

Requires utilities and water-works corporations to offer deferred payment agreements without down payments, late fees, or penalties for customers affected by COVID-19 financial hardship.

Mandates utilities restore service within 48 hours if terminated due to deferred payment agreement defaults or non-payment, with no penalties for termination or restoration.

Requires utilities to provide notice to affected customers and make reasonable efforts to contact those experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship to offer deferred payment options.

Effective December 21, 2021 and expires June 30, 2022; permits utilities to recover lost or deferred revenues after June 30, 2022 through normal regulatory means.