Requires Notice Before Utility Rate Increases
New York · A10376 · Introduced Mar 3, 2026
Why it matters
Customers would get advance warning of higher bills and could decide whether to keep or cancel service. A bill insert alone would not count as notice.
What it does
- Requires gas, electric, water, steam, and phone providers to notify customers within 30 days before a rate increase
- Requires notice by phone, email, letter, or text, separate from the bill, stating the amount and effective date
- Requires cable, internet, and phone-internet providers to give notice at least seven days before an increase
- Requires cable and internet providers to offer a way for customers to cancel service entirely
- Requires all providers to list how customers can contact them with notices
Status
Latest action (2026-10-30): print number 10376a
About this bill
Would require utilities, phone companies, and cable and internet providers to notify customers before rate increases take effect. Cable and internet providers would also have to offer a way to cancel service entirely.
Requires utility service providers to disclose planned rate increases to consumers within thirty days before a planned price increase takes effect; requires utility providers to provide contact information and a mechanism to cancel service completely.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Consumer groups would likely say customers deserve early warning before paying more. Cancellation options would help people leave services they can no longer afford.
💬 The case against
Some utilities and internet providers would likely say separate notices add paperwork and cost. They may also say the rules are unclear on timing and how to cancel.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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