Enacts the "rate hike notice act" which requires utilities in the state of New York to provide notice of a proposed rate hike to a customer via text, email and via such customer's monthly billing statement.
Impact
The implementation of A05442 will require amendments to the existing public service laws, specifically targeting the communication methods utilities currently employ when announcing rate increases. By placing a requirement on utilities to notify customers promptly and through multiple channels, the bill seeks to empower consumers with timely information necessary for making informed decisions regarding their service providers. This change is expected to lead to increased public awareness and potentially encourage more public discourse on the fairness of utility rates.
Summary
Bill A05442, titled the 'Rate Hike Notice Act', aims to enhance the transparency of proposed rate increases by utilities in the state of New York. Under this legislation, utilities will be mandated to inform their customers about any proposed rate hikes within one business day of public notification. The notice must be sent electronically, either via text message or email, to all customers who have opted for such communication methods. Additionally, information regarding the proposed rate hike will be included in the customers' monthly billing statements to ensure all customers are adequately informed.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for promoting transparency and consumer rights, potential points of contention may arise regarding the administrative burden it places on utility companies. Some stakeholders may argue that requiring notifications through multiple channels may lead to increased operational costs, which could, in turn, affect the pricing structures of utility services. Critics of the bill may also express concerns about the effectiveness of such notifications if not all customers opt to receive communications in this manner.
Same As
Enacts the "rate hike notice act" which requires utilities in the state of New York to provide notice of a proposed rate hike to a customer via text, email and via such customer's monthly billing statement.
Requires the notification of a public utility company's or municipality's customers when the supply rate increases by at least forty percent and to notify such customers of bill assistance programs by posting on the utility company's website.
Restricts the use of advanced metering infrastructure devices by electric, gas and water-works corporations; requires utilities to provide notice to customers before installation of a two-way smart meter; makes related provisions.
Requires certain car wash facilities to display a notice to customers that such customers may file a complaint regarding damages sustained from such car wash facility to the consumer protection division.
Requires that all victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing.
Relates to requiring the establishment of utility customer arrears reporting; requires utilities to report to the public service commission on customers who are in arrears.
Relates to requiring the establishment of utility customer arrears reporting; requires utilities to report to the public service commission on customers who are in arrears.
Prohibits utility corporations from charging customers for gas or electric service which was rendered more than three months of the monthly billing period; requires utility corporations to provide a thirteen-month usage history in their bills.
Prohibits utility corporations from charging customers for gas or electric service which was rendered more than three months of the monthly billing period; requires utility corporations to provide a thirteen-month usage history in their bills.