NY A00168

Requires the Public Service Commission within 180 days to mandate that electric, gas, and steam utility companies provide automatic affordable payment plans to low-income customers who document their eligibility

Eligibility is established through participation in any of 17 listed assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, HEAP, federal public housing assistance, and Head Start

Utility companies must consider customer circumstances when devising payment plans, including amount owed, ability to pay, payment history, anticipated energy assistance benefits, and potential hardships from service loss

Requires utility companies to conspicuously advertise payment plan availability on their websites and the commission to create a mechanism for electronic submission and prompt review of eligibility documentation

Guarantees customers at least 21 days from the bill date to pay in full, and prohibits utilities from withdrawing automatic payment funds before the due date without customer agreement