NY A05620

Requires electric and gas utilities to establish reduced rate schedules for low-income customers, with rate reductions between 25% and 35% of standard residential rates

Establishes eligibility for customers receiving benefits from SSI, TANF, safety net assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP, telephone lifeline assistance, or other commission-approved programs

Mandates utilities cooperate with social services districts and agencies to certify eligibility through privacy-protected data exchanges for efficient enrollment

Requires utilities to make application forms and program information available on websites, at offices, in bill inserts, and in communications with customers in arrears

Reduced rates must be effective by January 1, 2027, with utilities filing annual reports on enrollment numbers and outreach efforts

Revenue impacts from the rate reduction must be offset by applying utility overearnings, disallowing rate of return premiums, using uncommitted surcharge funds, and disallowing executive compensation bonuses