The committee advanced a pilot to fund electrification and weatherization projects — 40% of pilot projects must be in low- or moderate-income areas — and members asked whether building owners would be means-tested and how utilities would access capital.

The Assembly approved a bill creating statewide minimum protections against utility shutoffs during extreme heat and cold (heat trigger cited at 85°F, cold at 32°F) with coverage before, during and two days after extreme events; supporters cited public-health risks, critics warned it could duplicate PSC rules and add arrears costs. Vote 97-44.

MSD told council members it plans bond financing and expects rating agencies to respond favorably; Hardy said the utility expects modest rate increases around 7% as it adjusts coverage for added debt service.

The Assembly passed an emergency measure to bar disconnection of essential utilities for customers whose financial circumstances changed because of the COVID‑19 emergency; debate highlighted trade‑offs between immediate household relief and potential rate impacts for other customers. Vote recorded Aye 112, No 31.

Witnesses described the city’s plan to expand the Office of the Utility Advocate to represent New Yorkers in state rate cases, bolster outreach and fight shutoffs. City and agency witnesses also discussed proposals to educate residents about crypto scams and provide tourist-oriented consumer protections ahead of major events.

Advocates call for funding to enhance consumer representation in utility rate cases.

PULP advocates for transparency in rate cases and revised utility rate-making processes.

Lawmakers establish stricter consumer complaint protocols for utility billing issues in New York.