Relates to requiring the establishment of automatic payment plans; requires utility companies headquartered in New York to establish a statewide program to provide eligible participants with affordable payment plans.
S01330 would require the Public Service Commission to direct utility companies to create and offer affordable payment plans for eligible low-income customers. The bill applies to electric, gas, and steam utilities and requires that qualifying customers be automatically provided appropriate payment plans once they submit documentation showing participation in specified assistance programs. Enrollment must be available year-round, and utilities must prominently advertise the program on their websites.
The bill also directs the commission to create a process for submitting and promptly reviewing eligibility documentation, including electronic submission. It defines eligibility broadly by reference to a range of public benefit programs, including TANF, public assistance, SSI, SNAP, veterans disability benefits, Child Health Plus, Lifeline, HEAP, Medicaid, public housing assistance, Head Start, tribal assistance programs, and other income-based aid identified by the commission or the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. In setting payment plans, utilities must consider the customer’s financial circumstances, amount owed, payment history, expected energy assistance, and the hardship that could result from loss of service. The bill further requires at least 21 days to pay a bill unless another due date is agreed to, and it prohibits automatic withdrawal of funds before the due date unless the customer agrees otherwise.
This bill would amend the Public Service Law by adding a new section 37-a, creating a statewide framework for utility automatic payment plans for eligible low-income customers. It would expand regulatory obligations for utility companies, especially those providing electric, gas, or steam service, by requiring them to establish and administer affordable payment plans, accept documentation of eligibility, and maintain online notice and electronic submission systems. The measure would also affect customer billing practices by setting a minimum payment window and limiting premature automatic withdrawals.
The available voting history suggests strong overall support for the bill. It passed the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee 8-1 and then passed the Senate floor 59-1, with unanimous approval in the Senate Rules Committee. That pattern indicates broad agreement that the bill addresses utility affordability and consumer protection for low-income households.
The main point of contention appears to be the mandate placed on utility companies to automatically provide payment plans and to build administrative systems for eligibility review and enrollment. The lone committee and floor dissent suggest at least one senator had concerns, likely about regulatory burden, implementation complexity, or utility operational costs, though no transcript is available to specify the objection. Supporters appear to view the bill as a consumer relief measure aimed at preventing service hardship and improving access to affordable billing arrangements for vulnerable customers.