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For Immediate Release: 10/12/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080 23108/23-M-0229 October 12, 2023
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PSC Finalizes Rules Preventing Utilities and Energy Service Companies from Harassing Customers |
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Utilities and Energy Service Companies That Violate New Rules Will Face Financial Penalties ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today finalized new rules that will prohibit utilities and energy service companies from engaging in detrimental conduct toward residential customers.
“These new regulations prohibit utility corporations, municipal utilities, and energy service companies subject to PSC jurisdiction from engaging in any conduct to harass, oppress, or abuse any residential customer in connection with the handling of a complaint, the offering of a deferred payment agreement, or the collection of an unpaid bill,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “If a regulated entity violates the new rules, we will hold them accountable.”
The Commission finalized the new rules as required by new legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2021. The new rules also provide that all service providers in violation of the statute shall be subject to fines, penalties and enforcement actions.
Annually, the Commission’s Office of Consumer Services handles several thousand complaints from consumers regarding alleged utility actions. It is expected that the new rules will better help protect consumers’ interests.
The proceeding to create the new rules generated significant interest on the part of various stakeholders, including Joint Utilities, the Public Utility Law Project, the New York Retail Choice Coalition, NRG Energy, Inc. and NRG Retail Companies, American Association of Retired Persons, Family Energy, Inc. and the Cable Telecommunications Association of New York, Inc. The commentors were generally supportive of the proposed draft regulations' objectives.
The Public Service Law already contains a comprehensive set of consumer protections in the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA), and the new regulations expand the protections available to residential consumers. The establishment of utility service is a core focus of HEFPA and applicants for utility service are consumers.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 23-M-0229 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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