Weather-Related Consumer Protections

Winter Consumer Protections

The Home Energy Fair Practices Act approved by the New York State Public Service Commission provides residential natural gas and electric customers with special protections and shut-off procedures for circumstances where customer health and safety may be threatened by lack of service.

Between November 1 and April 15 , your provider must make a special effort to communicate with customers to determine whether terminating heat-related service will result in serious impairment to your health or safety. HEFPA also requires utilities to suspend termination of service to residential consumers for non-payment of bills during a two-week period encompassing Christmas and New Year’s Day.

To find out more about cold weather-related utility consumer protections, visit the “Consumer Protections and Outreach” section of the Winter Preparedness DPS webpage .

Summer Consumer Protections

In addition to protections for consumers during the winter months, the major electric utilities also provide residential customers with special protections and shut-off procedures during summer and/or periods of extreme heat.

Payment assistance programs such as budget plans and deferred payment agreements are available through each of the major natural gas and electric utilities, as well as additional discounts and benefits available to eligible low-income customers. Government-sponsored programs, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program , are also available to help low-income customers with the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan during the summer season.

To find out more about hot weather-related utility consumer protections, visit the “Consumer Protections and Outreach” section of the Summer Energy Outlook DPS webpage .