New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08823

Introduced
6/9/25  

Caption

Establishes a usage monitor program for the purposes of notifying customers when energy usage exceeds a cost or usage threshold in a given billing period determined by the customer.

Impact

The introduction of the usage monitor program is expected to significantly influence state laws governing the operations of gas and electric utilities. This measure places a responsibility on utility companies to actively inform customers about their usage patterns, thus promoting energy conservation and cost-effectiveness. The program is designed to be elective, allowing customers to opt-in, which supports consumer autonomy. This could lead to changes in how utilities interact with customers and adjust billing practices based on real-time data provided by smart meters.

Summary

Bill A08823 seeks to establish a usage monitor program for gas and electric utilities in New York State. The primary objective of this bill is to ensure that customers are notified when their energy usage exceeds a predetermined cost or usage threshold within any given billing cycle. This notification will aim to empower customers to better manage their energy consumption and potential costs. The regulatory framework outlined in the bill mandates that utility corporations utilizing smart meters implement this program to enhance transparency and customer engagement regarding their energy usage.

Contention

While the bill's intent is largely seen as beneficial for customer engagement, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Concerns may arise about the adequacy of the notifications and the potential for overwhelming customers with information. Additionally, there could be debates on the operational costs incurred by utility providers in executing this program, which could ultimately affect consumer pricing. Stakeholders might also discuss the implications of mandating such a program and its feasibility for smaller utility companies.

Companion Bills

NY S08062

Same As Establishes a usage monitor program for the purposes of notifying customers when energy usage exceeds a cost or usage threshold in a given billing period determined by the customer.

Previously Filed As

NY S08012

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.

NY A08542

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.

NY A05517

Prohibits persons or entities headquartered or incorporated in New York that provide electronic communications services to the general public, from producing records that would reveal the identity of the customers using those services, data stored by or on behalf of the customers, the customers' usage of those services, the recipient or destination of communications sent to or from those customers, or the content of those communications, when served with a warrant issued by another state to produce records under certain circumstances, and prohibits geofencing of health care facilities for certain purposes.

NY S06224

Prohibits persons or entities headquartered or incorporated in New York that provide electronic communications services to the general public, from producing records that would reveal the identity of the customers using those services, data stored by or on behalf of the customers, the customers' usage of those services, the recipient or destination of communications sent to or from those customers, or the content of those communications, when served with a warrant issued by another state to produce records under certain circumstances, and prohibits geofencing of health care facilities for certain purposes.

NY A02859

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.

NY S02653

Creates the cell phone users' bill of rights; provides that customers be given a thirty-day trial period; provides that a customer shall not be liable for calls or messages that were not made from the customer's phone; provides that a company shall be liable to the customer for violating these provisions.

NY S02079

Requires food service establishments to permit the use of reusable beverage and food containers provided by customers when requesting a beverage refill or requesting leftovers from a partially consumed meal to be packaged and post signs to inform customers that they are permitted to do so.

NY A04673

Requires food service establishments to permit the use of reusable beverage and food containers provided by customers when requesting a beverage refill or requesting leftovers from a partially consumed meal to be packaged and post signs to inform customers that they are permitted to do so.

NY S04948

Creates a small business renewable tax credit; provides the term "business related renewable energy usage" shall refer to renewable power usage used to further the economic activity of the taxpayer at the primary business location that is clearly delimited from any shared renewable energy power usage cost.

NY A00112

Provides that restaurants may provide single-use plastic straws to customers when explicitly requested by the customer; prohibits single-use plastic stirrers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.