Requires public utilities to issue standardized bills to residential customers

BILL NUMBER:S4449

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring providers of electric, gas, steam, telephone and cable television service to use a uniform format, and uniform terminologies and definitions in bills for residential service; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

Requires public and private utility companies to issue standardized bills to residential customers

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Short title

Section 2: Amends the Public Service Law to make utility companies issue uniform bill forms and use universal terminology and definitions decided upon by the commission.

Section 3: Adds section 92-g to the Public Service Law which makes telephone companies issue uniform bill forms and use universal terminology and definitions decided upon by the commission.

Section 4: Amends the Public Service Law to make television and cable companies issue uniform bill forms and use universal terminology and definitions decided upon by the commission.

Justification

Telephone and utility bills are often confusing, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities. By creating uniform terminology for billing statements across all utility companies that provide the same service. This will make it much easier to understand what consumers are being charged and easier to compare bills between companies.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

New Bill

Fiscal implications

None to the state

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 180th day after this act shall have become law.