New York Assembly Bill A05969

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Report Pass: 4/29/25
• Refer: 4/29/25
• Report Pass: 5/27/25
• Refer: 5/27/25
• Report Pass: 5/29/25

Caption

Permits the rendering of an estimated bill from a utility corporation or municipality under certain circumstances; requires each utility corporation and municipality within six months to submit to the commission a model for the calculation of and procedures for estimated bills that incorporates best practices and technology and accounts for any barriers to the use of actual meter readings.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact the practices of utility corporations and municipalities throughout New York. By establishing clear criteria for when estimated bills may be issued, the legislation aims to protect consumers from arbitrary charges for utilities. It requires these entities to be transparent about the basis of estimated charges, which can play a critical role in maintaining fair billing practices. Moreover, the bill mandates that utilities must submit revised models for calculating estimated bills within six months of the bill's enactment. This provision encourages utilities to incorporate best practices and advanced technologies into their operations, improving overall service reliability.

Summary

A05969, introduced in the New York Assembly, seeks to amend the public service law to allow utility corporations and municipalities to issue estimated bills under certain conditions. The bill clarifies that an estimated bill can only be rendered if the utility or municipality has made a reasonable effort to obtain an actual meter reading but is unable to do so due to specific circumstances. These conditions include difficulties in gaining access to the meter or situations that may render accurate readings impractical or erroneous. Additionally, it defines how and when estimated readings can be utilized, aiming to enhance the clarity and consumer knowledge surrounding utility billing practices.

Contention

While the bill seeks to balance the interests of utility companies and consumers, there may be points of contention related to its implementation. Critics may argue that allowing estimated billing under certain conditions could potentially lead to abuses, where utilities might resort to estimated readings too frequently rather than striving to gain access for actual readings. There might be concerns raised regarding the adequacy of oversight from the commission and whether the measures put in place provide sufficient protections for consumers against unjustified estimated charges. The discussions surrounding these topics will likely shape the discourse as the bill progresses through the legislative process.