NY A04497

Directs the Public Service Commission to establish minimum standards for utility company payment plans, including criteria for determining reasonable payment agreements based on household income, ability to pay, payment history, and special hardships.

Requires utility companies to offer residential customers a payment plan that averages estimated utility costs over a 10 or 12-month period to reduce seasonal bill fluctuations.

Mandates a minimum 21-day payment period from bill issuance and prohibits automatic fund withdrawals before the due date without customer agreement.

Prevents utility service termination for customers enrolled in and complying with payment plans, except for rule violations on file with the Commission, health/safety emergencies, or Commission orders.

Establishes eligibility for payment plans based on documentation of participation in 14 specified assistance programs (including SNAP, TANF, SSI, HEAP, and others) dated within 365 days of the payment plan application.