NY A02519

Direct the New York Public Service Commission to immediately study consumer protections adopted by electric corporations and utilities under Article 2 of the Public Service Law

Report must analyze effectiveness of utility procedures for notifying customers in arrears, deferred payment agreement availability, required down payment levels, and shutoff hotline operations, including call volume by service territory

Require utilities to provide data on monthly electric and natural gas customer disconnections for customers previously receiving Home Energy Assistance Program benefits, while maintaining customer confidentiality

Seek comments from utilities, municipalities, consumer advocates, and the public, with option to include recommendations for improving consumer protection policies in the final report

Institute a moratorium on residential utility service terminations from December 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025 if the study is not completed by November 15, 2024; utilities may still charge for service and offer deferred payment agreements during the moratorium period