New York Assembly Bill A02431

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Report Pass: 2/24/25

Caption

Clarifies how certain non-billing information regarding the delivery of water is disclosed to residents of cooperatives, condominiums or multi-family dwellings; requires water-works corporations to notify customers of their ability to receive non-billing related information.

Summary

A02431 amends the Public Service Law to clarify and expand how water-works corporations must share non-billing information with residents of cooperatives, condominiums, and multi-family buildings that receive water through a master meter. The bill applies to buildings with five or more residential units and requires the Public Service Commission to direct water utilities to establish a process so these residents can receive the same kinds of non-billing communications that direct customers receive, including service updates, water quality notices, and other information deemed essential to water consumers. The bill also requires water-works corporations to identify affected properties in their service territories and to provide initial and periodic written notices to residents explaining their option to receive such information. Those notices must allow residents to submit contact information and a preferred method of contact so utilities can deliver non-billing-related water service information directly to them. The bill takes effect immediately.

Impact

The bill would amend section 89-c of the Public Service Law by making the disclosure of non-billing water information mandatory rather than discretionary for water-works corporations serving master-metered cooperative, condominium, and multi-family dwellings. It would place new administrative duties on the Public Service Commission and on water utilities to identify covered properties, notify residents, and maintain a communication process for service and water-quality notices. Affected parties include water-works corporations, the PSC, and residents of master-metered housing who currently may not receive utility communications directly.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee reported it out favorably by a 16-6 vote. The bill’s purpose appears straightforward and consumer-oriented, focusing on improving access to utility information for residents who may otherwise be dependent on building management for notices. No committee transcript is available, so the record does not show detailed debate beyond the committee vote.

Contention

The main point of contention appears to be the scope of the new mandate on water-works corporations and the administrative burden of identifying all covered master-metered properties and sending recurring notices. Opponents may be concerned about compliance costs, recordkeeping, and whether utilities should be responsible for direct communication with residents in buildings where service is billed through a master meter. Supporters, by contrast, are likely focused on ensuring that residents receive timely water service and water-quality information directly, regardless of their billing arrangement.