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 S01326 aims to amend the public service law in New York to establish discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. The bill mandates gas corporations, electric corporations, municipalities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations, and cable television companies to provide a 10% discount on utility bills for eligible individuals. The eligibility criteria include being a primary account holder, having a household income of less than $50,000 for the last two consecutive tax years, and receiving specific disability benefits or being a low-income senior citizen aged 65 or older.
Impact
The bill will significantly impact state laws by creating new requirements for utility companies to implement discount programs specifically targeting low-income senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. This will enhance financial support for these vulnerable groups, ensuring they receive essential services at a reduced cost. The fiscal implications of the discount programs will not be passed on to other customers, thereby maintaining the current pricing structure for other utility users.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S01326 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses the financial challenges faced by low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and administrative burden on utility companies, which could lead to discussions about the feasibility of the proposed discount programs.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from utility companies regarding the operational impact of implementing these discount programs. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement could lead to increased administrative costs or complications in managing eligibility verification processes. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of the defined income thresholds and the specific benefits that qualify individuals for the discounts.
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 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 the definition of income for tax abatement for rent-controlled and rent regulated property occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
Relates to the definition of income for tax abatement for rent-controlled and rent regulated property occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
Requires any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, or agent or employee thereof, which offers, in the regular course of business, an established senior citizen, student or veteran discount on the price of admission or membership thereto, to offer a discount on the price of admission or membership to disabled individuals.
Relates to establishing a maximum rent of one-third of household income for the senior citizens rent increase exemption and disability rent increase exemption.
Relates to establishing a maximum rent of one-third of household income for the senior citizens rent increase exemption and disability rent increase exemption.
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.