S4234A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday to tighten utility billing practices, reducing the lookback period for back-billing from six months to two months and extending consumer protections to both residential and nonresidential customers. Senate Print 4234A, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, passed 48-13 on a roll call vote. The measure codifies recommendations from the Public Service Commission following an audit of Central Hudson utility company and addresses widespread complaints about inaccurate and delayed billing that have caused financial hardship to constituents. The bill requires utilities to bill customers monthly and mandates utilities provide two years of historical usage data on bills to help customers identify billing errors. Hinchey argued the legislation prevents utilities from imposing large lump-sum bills on customers through no fault of their own and protects small businesses struggling with cash flow management. Opponents, led by Sen. Walczyk, contended the bill shifts costs of utility billing failures to ratepayers and does nothing to address rising energy costs. Walczyk also questioned whether requiring two-year historical usage data is appropriate for new commercial tenants whose usage patterns may differ significantly from previous occupants. He argued the Legislature should not micromanage the PSC's regulatory authority. Thirteen senators voted against the measure: Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Martins, Ortt, Palumbo, Stec, Walczyk, Weber, Tedisco, and Weik.