Establishes uniform definitions, standardized procedures, and uniform applications or forms, for determining a medical emergency, life-support equipment and designation of elderly, blind and disabled customers protected from termination of utility services.
Impact
If enacted, S09321 would amend the existing Public Service Law to impose more rigorous requirements on utility corporations and municipalities. These entities would be required to maintain service and take necessary actions to avoid harmful disconnections for customers who have identified themselves as reliant on critical medical technologies or belonging to specified vulnerable groups. This would provide a significant enhancement to existing regulations, ensuring that the termination of services does not occur without thorough exploration of the customer’s circumstances.
Summary
Bill S09321 aims to enhance protections against the termination of residential utility services for individuals experiencing medical emergencies, as well as those relying on life-support equipment and vulnerable populations including the elderly, blind, and disabled. The bill proposes the establishment of uniform definitions and standardized procedures to ensure that utility companies recognize and respond appropriately to the specific needs of these customers, thereby preventing unintentional harm due to service disconnections. It seeks to foster an environment where the health and safety of these individuals are prioritized by utility providers.
Contention
Notably, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the standardized procedures, particularly in how utility corporations will verify medical emergencies and customer designations without overstepping privacy boundaries. Additionally, the bill mandates that utility companies come up with simplified applications and forms to facilitate the coding of customers based on their needs. Critics may argue that while the intention of the bill is commendable, the actual execution may be fraught with challenges, including potential delays that could inadvertently endanger customers' health and well-being.
Same As
Establishes uniform definitions, standardized procedures, and uniform applications or forms, for determining a medical emergency, life-support equipment and designation of elderly, blind and disabled customers protected from termination of utility services.
Establishes uniform definitions, standardized procedures, and uniform applications or forms, for determining a medical emergency, life-support equipment and designation of elderly, blind and disabled customers protected from termination of utility services.
Increases the number of days between the sending of a notice of termination by a utility corporation and the actual date of termination of service; increases the age of residents in the home to 21 from 18 for purposes of special procedures for terminations; decreases the amount required for a downpayment on an arrears on utility bills; lowers the age of customers to whom a utility company must offer quarterly billing from 62 to 55.
Increases the number of days between the sending of a notice of termination by a utility corporation and the actual date of termination of service; increases the age of residents in the home to 21 from 18 for purposes of special procedures for terminations; decreases the amount required for a downpayment on an arrears on utility bills; lowers the age of customers to whom a utility company must offer quarterly billing from 62 to 55.
Establishes a standardized rate application template for utilities; provides that utilities have to provide certain information when filling out a standardized rate application.
Establishes a standardized rate application template for utilities; provides that utilities have to provide certain information when filling out a standardized rate application.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.