New York Senate Bill S06200

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Engrossed: 6/5/25
• Refer: 6/5/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires utility companies maintain a toll free number for consumers to call to report service outages which shall be made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Impact

The implementation of S06200 would provide a systematic approach to reporting utility service outages, which is particularly critical during severe weather events or emergencies. By ensuring that consumers can easily reach out to their service providers, the bill aims to facilitate quicker responses to outages, thus improving overall consumer satisfaction and trust in utility services. Additionally, the requirement for a toll-free number will likely encourage utility companies to enhance their customer service infrastructure, thus potentially setting a new standard for consumer communication in the industry.

Summary

Bill S06200 seeks to amend existing public service and general business laws in New York State to require utility companies—specifically gas, electric, water, and similar service providers—to maintain a toll-free telephone number for consumers to report service outages. This number must be operational 24 hours a day and be able to handle high call volumes during emergency situations or extreme weather conditions. Moreover, it mandates clear visibility of the number on the utility's website and on consumer billing statements to ensure accessibility for all consumers.

Contention

While the primary intent of the bill is consumer protection, there may be concerns raised by smaller utility providers regarding the burden of maintaining such a service. Some municipalities may find the requirement to be unduly burdensome and given the provision allowing for exemptions, discussions may arise around how these exemptions will be defined and administered. The balance between adequate consumer service and the operational capabilities of smaller providers could become a notable point of contention as the bill progresses through legislative channels.