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Assembly approves limits on consecutive estimated utility bills
Summary
Lawmakers approved a bill to restrict consecutive estimated utility bills and require utilities to expand use of actual reads — including validated smart‑meter reads — and to report practices to the Public Service Commission; supporters cited major billing errors in the Central Hudson region, opponents raised implementation and cost questions.
The Assembly passed legislation limiting utilities' use of consecutive estimated bills and requiring utilities to take reasonable steps — including smart‑meter readings and customer contacts — to produce actual usage readings.
What the bill would change
Sponsor Mister Jacobson said the bill prohibits consecutive estimated billing except in narrow circumstances — for example when a customer denies access, or a state of emergency prevents readings — and authorizes smart‑meter readings to count as actual readings. He said the measure directs utilities to report their practices to the Public Service Commission so best practices and technology standards can be developed.
Why supporters said action was needed
Members from the Hudson Valley and elsewhere cited a regional experience with prolonged estimated billing that led to unexpectedly large bills for customers and argued that stronger statutory limits and penalties are a needed deterrent. "The only thing worse than receiving your utility bill is receiving a bill that's extremely high because of estimated billing," Jacobson said.
Opposition and technical questions
Questioners asked whether the PSC already had authority and whether the bill would impose costs — for example, who pays for smart meters or for employees making in‑person reads. Sponsors said some utilities have already adjusted their practices in response to other recent legislation, but proponents argued the PSC's existing rules had not fully resolved the problem in all instances.
Vote
On floor action the Assembly recorded the vote as Ayes 106; Noes 39 and the bill passed.
Implementation
The bill requires utilities to expand actual reading methods, permits smart‑meter readings to be used as actual reads, and asks the PSC to collect information on compliance and standards development.
Ending note
Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and consumer‑protection measure after specific regional billing failures; opponents urged clarifications on exemptions for seasonal service, safety and equipment failure.
