ALBANY – State Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha (D, Esopus) has introduced legislation to strengthen accountability measures against alleged wrongdoings by utilities.
She wants consumer utility protections during investigations that would prohibit the companies, including gas, electric, telecommunications and water, from charging late fees or terminating service when the utility is being investigated by the State Public Service Commission.
“It should not be up to them to decide when to suspend late fees when they are being investigated. We want to make sure that this is guaranteed, and we also want to make sure that this is clearly communicated to the customers,” she said.
Shrestha acknowledged that with this year’s legislative session coming to a close in a matter of days, her bills would be addressed when lawmakers reconvene next January.
