New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09065

Introduced

1/28/26

Refer

1/28/26

Caption

Relates to the reconnection of service for low-income customers; provides that upon the signing of a reconnection plan where a low-income customer shall pay no more than three percent of such customer's monthly income for electric or gas service or six percent of monthly income for combination electric and gas service plus such customer's current monthly bill, a utility shall reconnect such service.

Impact

The introduction of S09065 is positioned to have a substantial impact on low-income households facing utility disconnections. By establishing a cap on payments required for service reinstatement, it aims to reduce the risk of prolonged service interruptions, which are often linked to financial distress. This is particularly relevant in light of increased living costs and economic instability, ensuring that vulnerable populations can maintain access to essential services such as electricity and gas.

Summary

Bill S09065, introduced in the New York Senate, seeks to amend the public service law with the aim of facilitating the reconnection of utility services for low-income customers. The legislation mandates that utility companies must reinstate service within 24 hours under specific conditions, primarily when a customer pays off overdue charges or enters into a payment agreement. Notably, the bill sets forth that low-income individuals should not pay more than ten percent of their monthly income towards overdue bills, which could significantly ease financial burdens for this demographic.

Contention

While the bill is designed to protect low-income households, it may also raise concerns among utility companies regarding revenue recovery. Opponents may argue that capping reconnection fees could lead to financial strain on utility providers, potentially affecting their overall service delivery and infrastructure investment. The discussion surrounding the bill might revolve around finding a balance between providing necessary assistance to low-income clients and maintaining the financial viability of utility companies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S09080

Enacts the "protect our most vulnerable act" under which utility companies and municipalities are prohibited from discontinuing electric, gas, and water services to elderly customers making good faith payments between five and fifteen percent of their monthly incomes.

NY S08735

Enacts the "billing transparency act"; provides that every utility corporation, energy services corporation and municipality shall provide an itemized breakdown of customers' bills each month; provides that electric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities shall maintain a dedicated and easily accessible customer website that explains customer charges.

NY A06326

Requires gas and electric corporations to provide forty-five days' notice to customers whenever there is a service rate or charge increase.

NY S09835

Requires gas and electric corporations to provide thirty days' notice to customers whenever there is a service rate or charge increase.

NY A10928

Requires gas and electric corporations to provide thirty days' notice to customers whenever there is a service rate or charge increase.

NY S01552

Relates to the establishment of reduced residential rates for electric and natural gas service to low-income customers.

NY A05620

Relates to the establishment of reduced residential rates for electric and natural gas service to low-income customers.

NY S04432

Relates to residential gas service rate discount programs for low-income and senior households; establishes the residential gas service rate discount for low-income and senior households fund; provides that an eligible household shall pay no more than six percent of such eligible household's total monthly income on gas, oil, kerosene or petroleum services and gas corporations shall offer a discount to ensure such eligible household's gas, oil, kerosene or petroleum bill or payment agreement reflect such discounted price.

NY HB1184

Electrical utilities; authorize certain large customer supply and service agreements with customers have MDA approved project.

NY HB3148

Relating to the availability of residential telecommunication services for low-income customers; and declaring an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.