NY S01327

Directs the Public Service Commission to establish minimum standards for utility payment plans, requiring plans to be reasonable based on household income, ability to pay, payment history, bill size, and special hardship circumstances

Mandates utility companies provide customers at least 21 days from the bill date to pay in full, and prohibits withdrawing funds before the due date for automatic bill payment customers without consent

Requires rate increases of 10% or more occurring during an active payment plan to be spread ratably over the remaining plan period, with written notice explaining the change and new monthly payment calculation

Prohibits termination of utility service for residential customers enrolled in and complying with a payment plan, except for safety reasons, rule violations, theft of service, tampering, or commission order

Establishes eligibility for payment plans based on participation in income-based assistance programs including TANF, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, HEAP, federal public housing, and other programs, with documentation valid for up to 365 days