The Assembly passed legislation that requires utilities and municipalities to notify customers when scheduled utility work is reasonably expected to impact the use of residential, commercial or other property.

Sponsor Assemblymember Levenberg told the floor the bill "will require utility corporations and municipalities to notify customers if they reasonably believe scheduled utility work will impact the use of residential, commercial, or other property prior to beginning the scheduled work." The measure builds on a 2022 New York City requirement, but the current text applies statewide.

During debate, members asked whether the Long Island Power Authority and its service provider are covered; the sponsor said the bill applies to any utility or municipality performing utility services. Questions also focused on the effective date and implementation timeline. The bill sets the effective date at the ninetieth day following enactment.

Members raised implementation concerns, including whether some providers would need IT upgrades to comply. The sponsor said the bill allows flexibility in notification methods and that existing practices could be used — written, electronic or telephonic notices — and that she had worked with utilities while drafting the bill.

The Assembly recorded an Ayes 145, Noes 0 vote.

Why it matters: The change aims to give customers advance notice about planned work that could limit property access or use, giving businesses and residents time to prepare.

Implementation: The sponsor agreed to continue discussions with industry on the effective date and technical implementation to avoid unintended consequences for providers with legacy systems.