New York Strengthens Utility Shutoff Protections
Written by DJ Sight on March 20, 2026
New York’s Public Service Commission rejected a proposal from RG&E and NYSEG to loosen shutoff rules and instead strengthened statewide protections for utility customers.
Utilities cannot disconnect service for non-payment during extreme temperatures (90°F or higher or 32°F or lower), can only shut off service Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are barred from doing so during the Christmas–New Year period. Additional winter safeguards require more customer outreach, at least 35 days after a missed payment, and 15 days’ notice before shutoffs.
A decision on potential rate increases is still expected later this summer.
PSC rejects RG&E and NYSEG’s request to change shut-off temperature threshold
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