Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes a moratorium on utility termination of services during periods of pandemics and or state of emergencies.

Highlights:

• Prohibits utility, water-works, and telephone corporations, and the city from disconnecting their services to any residential customer for the non-payment of a charge for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency (Sec.1).

• Requires utility, water-works, and telephone corporations, and the city to restore services to residential customers within 48 hours if such services have been terminated during the COVID-19 state of emergency (Sec.1).

• Prohibits utility, water-works, and telephone corporations, and the city from terminating or disconnecting their services to any residential customer which has experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 state of emergency for defaulting on a payment in the 180 days after the state of emergency is lifted (Sec.1).

• Requires the utility, water-work, and or telephone corporation, and or the city to provide residential customers who have experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 state of emergency the right to enter into a deferred payment agreement without a down payment, late fee, or penalty (Sec.1).

Full Bill Text