Authorizes the public service commission to consider non-economic loss suffered by consumers, including pain and suffering or mental anguish, when determining penalties against a public utility company, corporation or person or a combination gas and electric corporation.
Summary
Bill S07165 amends the public service law to allow the New York Public Service Commission to consider non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or mental anguish, when determining penalties against public utility companies and corporations. This change aims to provide consumers with a more comprehensive avenue for seeking justice and compensation for their experiences with utility services, which may have caused them emotional distress or other non-economic harm.
Impact
The bill modifies existing statutes under the public service law, specifically sections 25 and 25-a, to include non-economic loss in penalty determinations. This could lead to increased penalties for utility companies found to have caused significant non-economic harm to consumers, potentially influencing how these companies manage their services and customer relations. It may also encourage consumers to report grievances that they previously felt were not adequately addressed.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S07165 appears to be mixed, with a majority of committee votes in favor, indicating support for the bill's intent to protect consumers. However, the final floor votes show a significant number of dissenting opinions, suggesting concerns about the implications of including non-economic losses in penalty assessments, particularly regarding the potential for increased litigation or penalties for utility companies.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns from some legislators about the subjective nature of non-economic losses and the potential burden this could place on utility companies. Critics argue that it may lead to increased costs for consumers if companies pass on the costs of penalties. Supporters, however, emphasize the importance of recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of utility failures on consumers, advocating for a more empathetic approach to consumer protection.
Same As
Authorizes the public service commission to consider non-economic loss suffered by consumers, including pain and suffering or mental anguish, when determining penalties against a public utility company, corporation or person or a combination gas and electric corporation.
Authorizes the public service commission to consider non-economic loss suffered by consumers, including pain and suffering or mental anguish, when determining penalties against a public utility company, corporation or person or a combination gas and electric corporation.
Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval at least one and up to ten neighborhood scale weatherization and electrification-ready projects.
Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval at least one and up to ten neighborhood scale weatherization and electrification-ready projects.
Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval at least one and up to ten neighborhood scale weatherization and electrification-ready projects.