New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert to remind residents of their legal rights regarding home utilities as the winter season approaches. The alert highlights state protections that ensure essential services such as heat and hot water remain available during colder months.
“New Yorkers have a legal right to heat and hot water services during the winter season,” said Attorney General James. “As temperatures drop, I urge New Yorkers to know their rights when it comes to home utilities, and to reach out to my office if they feel their rights are being violated. No New Yorker should be left without heat or hot water as days and nights grow colder.”
State law requires utility providers in New York to take extra steps before shutting off heat-related services between November 1 and April 15. These measures include waiting at least 35 days after payment notices become overdue before considering termination of service, as well as providing a minimum of 15 days’ notice prior to any shutoff action.
Additionally, utilities are not allowed to terminate service during the two-week period that includes Christmas and New Year’s Day. Protections also extend to households where someone faces serious health issues, has a physical disability, is coping with the recent death of a family member, or if there are children present in the home.
Attorney General James urges anyone who experiences an unauthorized utility shutoff or believes they have been treated unfairly by their provider to file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755 for assistance.
More information about programs designed to help make energy more affordable for eligible residents can be found on the Department of Public Service’s website through resources related to the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and Home Energy Fair Practices Act.
