NY S01200

Public Service Commission must require utility companies providing electric, gas, or steam service to establish automatic affordable payment plans for eligible low-income customers within 180 days of the law's effective date.

Individuals and households qualify for payment plans by providing documentation of eligibility for 18 specified assistance programs including SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, SSI, SSDI, TANF, and other income-based assistance programs identified by the commission or Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Utility companies must conspicuously advertise payment plan availability on their websites and the commission must establish a mechanism for electronic submission and prompt review of eligibility documentation.

When devising payment plans, utility companies must consider the customer's amount due, ability to pay, payment history, anticipated energy assistance benefits, circumstances causing past due bills, hardships from lack of service, and other relevant factors.

Customers have at least 21 days from bill date to pay in full unless agreeing to a different due date, and utility companies cannot withdraw funds before the due date from automatic payment accounts unless the customer consents to a different period.