NY S08983

Requires investor-owned combination utility companies headquartered in New York to establish automatic affordability payment plans for qualifying low-income customers within 180 days of the law's effective date.

Eligible participants include individuals receiving documentation from 15 specified assistance programs including TANF, SNAP, SSI, HEAP, emergency rental assistance, and other income-based programs identified by the commission.

Mandates the Public Service Commission to provide utility companies with semi-annual electronic lists of eligible participants and requires utilities to advertise payment plan availability on their websites.

Requires utilities to consider customer circumstances including ability to pay, payment history, energy assistance benefits, and hardships when designing payment plans, with minimum 21-day payment periods from bill date.

Authorizes the Attorney General to pursue civil actions against violating utilities with penalties up to $100 per violation or $1,000 per violation for patterns or practices, with costs not passed to customers.