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Assembly approves temporary ban on utility shutoffs for customers hit financially by COVID‑19
Summary
The Assembly passed an emergency measure to bar disconnection of essential utilities for customers whose financial circumstances changed because of the COVID‑19 emergency; debate highlighted trade‑offs between immediate household relief and potential rate impacts for other customers. Vote recorded Aye 112, No 31.
The Assembly approved an emergency amendment to the Public Service Law to prohibit water, gas, electric and landline telephone providers from terminating service to residential customers who can demonstrate a COVID‑19‑related change in financial circumstances during the emergency period.
Sponsor Mister Mosley said the moratorium protects the most vulnerable from losing essential services while they seek unemployment or other relief. Opponents, including Mister Goodell and others, warned of legal and fiscal consequences for utilities (including small municipal providers) forced to extend unpaid service and cautioned higher future rates if unrecovered costs are shifted to other ratepayers.
Floor debate asked administrative questions about how the Public Service Commission would set hardship standards, the duration of protections (with sunset tied to the emergency period plus a fixed window), and whether CARES Act or state funds could be redirected to provide direct relief instead of mandating continued service. Sponsors argued the measure is temporary, limited to the emergency, and preserves payment obligations while preventing immediate shutoffs.
The House passed the measure (Aye 112, No 31); the sponsor said implementing guidance from the Public Service Commission will be required and that the Assembly may return to refine financial relief mechanisms.
