Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends various laws relating to consumer utilities in New York.

Highlights:

• Requires that the New York Public Service Commission establish gas transition planning regions and publish regional affordable gas transition plans within 2 years of enactment (Sec. 1).

• Specifies information, priorities, and requirements that the aforementioned plans are to include (Sec. 1).

• Requires that the department hold no fewer than 4 public hearings in the development of the aforementioned plans and specifies that no fewer than 1 hearing is to be virtual and no fewer than 1 hearing is to be hosted in an environmentally disadvantaged community (Sec. 1).

• Requires that the completed plans be made public and submitted to specified officials (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the commission to compel gas corporations to participate in regional savings and reliability programs in certain ways and specifies a 5-year opt-out exemption process (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the undesired discontinuation of service to any existing residential gas customer before January 1, 2030 (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the undesired discontinuation of service to any critical infrastructure or commercial property which can not feasibly be electrified (Sec. 1).

• Establishes various program eligibility criteria relating to safety, reliability, and timely notifications (Sec. 1).

• Requires that programs include a consultation process through which affected customers may provide feedback (Sec. 1).

• Requires that programs receive the consent of 50% of affected customers before implementation (Sec. 1).

• Requires that gas corporations service paying applicants regardless of unsettled debts from previous owners and specifies exemptions (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a one-time fine of $10 and a subsequent daily fine of $5 upon refusal of a corporation to comply with the aforementioned provision (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text