ALBANY – A measure aimed at curbing chronic late billing by Central Hudson and other utility companies has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh) and Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, Saugerties).
“For more than two years, customers of Central Hudson have been plagued with non-billing, late billing, inaccurate bills and excessive use of estimated billing. This new law is an important step in alleviating this intolerable situation,” said Jacobson.
Central Hudson did experience widespread billing issues, however, took responsibility for those issues and has since remedied those problems and issued refunds to customers who were overbilled. The utility is also working with a state appointed monitor to ensure customers bills are accurate moving forward and has hired more customer service representatives.
“Extreme backbilling creates unexpected financial burdens for families and small businesses, making budgeting nearly impossible since people can’t predict the arrival or amount of their next bills,” said Hinchey. “Our legislation finally cracks down on this predatory billing practice , and, for the first time, provides better protections for residents and small businesses alike by preventing utility companies from charging customers if they send a bill more than three months late.”
“Central Hudson recognizes and agrees with our legislators on the importance of billing our customers timely and accurately. Currently nearly 100 percent of our bills go out on time each month. Timely bills, along with our planned move away from estimated billing and toward monthly meter reading, means that customers can feel even more confident in the service we provide,” said Central Hudson spokesman Joe Jenkins.
The new law prohibits a utility from backbilling if a bill is issued more than three months late. That gives utilities a financial incentive to get their bills out on time, the lawmakers said.
Central Hudson, prior to the signing of this new law, began a transition away from estimated billing to monthly meter reading.
The new law also requires utilities to include the previous 13 months of usage charges at the customer’s address with each bill they issue. That will include the usage of different customers at that address during the period. That, they say, allows customers to compare their bill with a similar period to determine if they are being overcharged.
The law also ensures that small businesses are treated the same as residential customers with respect to late billing and disclosure of prior usage.
Joe Jenkins, Director of Media Relations for Central Hudson said the company is in agreement with the legislation.
“Central Hudson recognizes and agrees with our legislators on the importance of billing our customers timely and accurately,” said Jenkins. “Currently nearly 100% of our bills go out on time each month. Timely bills, along with our planned move away from estimated billing and toward monthly meter reading, means that customers can feel even more confident in the service we provide.”
