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Senate approves law letting PSC consider 'mental anguish' when penalizing utilities
Summary
On June 4, 2025 the New York State Senate passed a bill amending the Public Service Law to allow the Public Service Commission to consider mental anguish and non-economic harms when imposing penalties on utilities; supporters said it addresses harms from billing debacles, opponents warned of costs to ratepayers.
Albany — The New York State Senate voted to pass legislation on June 4, 2025 that amends the Public Service Law to allow the New York State Public Service Commission to consider “mental anguish” and related non‑economic harms when determining penalties in investigations of utilities.
Supporters, led by Senator Hinchey, said the change will let regulators account for severe harms suffered by customers during billing failures and other utility misconduct; critics said the provision risks raising costs for household ratepayers and leaves key terms undefined.
Senator Hinchey, the bill sponsor, said the change is narrowly tailored to be used in cases where an investigation shows “egregious” utility conduct and to give regulators a tool to address harms such as the loss of housing, inability to pay for groceries, or…
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