Relates to establishing discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; defines terms.
Summary
Bill A05601 aims to amend the public service law in New York State by establishing discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the bill mandates that gas corporations, electric corporations, municipalities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations, and cable television companies implement a 10% discount on utility, water, telephone, and cable bills for eligible individuals. The eligibility criteria include being a low-income senior citizen (at least 65 years old with a household income below $50,000) or an individual with a disability (meeting specific income and benefit requirements). The bill requires these entities to advertise the availability of these discounts prominently on their websites.
Impact
The passage of this bill would result in a significant change in the financial obligations of utility and service providers in New York State, as they would be required to implement these discount programs. The fiscal impact of the discounts will not be passed on to other customers, meaning that the costs will need to be absorbed by the companies themselves. This could lead to changes in pricing structures or operational budgets for these corporations, potentially affecting their revenue models and service delivery.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A05601 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocacy groups for seniors and individuals with disabilities, who view the discounts as a necessary measure to alleviate financial burdens on vulnerable populations. However, there may be concerns from utility companies regarding the financial implications of implementing these discount programs, as they could affect profitability and operational costs.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from utility companies that are concerned about the financial impact of the mandated discounts on their operations. There may also be discussions regarding the adequacy of the income thresholds set for eligibility and whether they effectively capture all individuals in need of assistance. Additionally, the requirement for advertising the discounts may be seen as an added burden by some corporations.
Same As
Relates to establishing discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; defines terms.
Relates to establishing discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; defines terms.
Relates to establishing discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; defines terms.
Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.
Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.
Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.
Requiring economic development electric rate discounts offered by public utilities to cover the incremental and variable costs to serve customers that receive such a discount.
Prohibiting large facilities receiving certain tariffs or failing to meet workforce and electric demand requirements from qualifying for economic development electric rates.