Requires utility companies maintain a toll free number for consumers to call to report service outages which shall be made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Impact
The implementation of S06200 would provide a systematic approach to reporting utility service outages, which is particularly critical during severe weather events or emergencies. By ensuring that consumers can easily reach out to their service providers, the bill aims to facilitate quicker responses to outages, thus improving overall consumer satisfaction and trust in utility services. Additionally, the requirement for a toll-free number will likely encourage utility companies to enhance their customer service infrastructure, thus potentially setting a new standard for consumer communication in the industry.
Summary
Bill S06200 seeks to amend existing public service and general business laws in New York State to require utility companies—specifically gas, electric, water, and similar service providers—to maintain a toll-free telephone number for consumers to report service outages. This number must be operational 24 hours a day and be able to handle high call volumes during emergency situations or extreme weather conditions. Moreover, it mandates clear visibility of the number on the utility's website and on consumer billing statements to ensure accessibility for all consumers.
Contention
While the primary intent of the bill is consumer protection, there may be concerns raised by smaller utility providers regarding the burden of maintaining such a service. Some municipalities may find the requirement to be unduly burdensome and given the provision allowing for exemptions, discussions may arise around how these exemptions will be defined and administered. The balance between adequate consumer service and the operational capabilities of smaller providers could become a notable point of contention as the bill progresses through legislative channels.
Same As
Requires utility companies maintain a toll free number for consumers to call to report service outages which shall be made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Requires utility companies maintain a toll free number for consumers to call to report service outages which shall be made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Requires utility companies maintain a toll free number for consumers to call to report service outages which shall be made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Requires utility service providers to disclose planned rate increases to consumers within thirty days before a planned price increase takes effect; requires utility providers to provide contact information and a mechanism to cancel service completely.
Requires utility service providers to disclose planned rate increases to consumers within thirty days before a planned price increase takes effect; requires utility providers to provide contact information and a mechanism to cancel service completely.
Directs utility corporations to petition the public service commission for approval of electric grid utilization metrics; directs the public service commission to determine which electric grid utilization metrics shall be approved and how such metrics shall be applied; directs the public service commission to submit an annual report to the legislature and governor.
Provides a reimbursement to small businesses and residential consumers of certain utilities for failure to provide contracted services; requires the Long Island power authority to do the same.