S5130

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring utilities to notify property owners of scheduled service work that could interfere with property access or use. Senate Print 5130, sponsored by Sen. Webb, passed on a 56-1 roll call vote, with only Sen. Walczyk voting in opposition. The bill amends the Public Service Law to mandate that electric, gas, water, steam, telephone and municipal utilities provide written or electronic notice between 30 and 5 days before scheduled maintenance and repairs. The notice must include details about the work's duration, location, utility contact information, and any required road closures or detours. Sen. Webb characterized the legislation as fundamentally about communication, allowing customers to prepare for service interruptions while recognizing that utilities must continue necessary maintenance work. The notice requirements do not apply to emergency work following natural disasters or states of emergency. The bill takes effect 90 days after becoming law.