AARP NY and PULP Applaud Governor Hochul for Her Leadership in Calling for Utility Debt Collection Investigation

Our organizations commend Governor Hochul for her swift response and action after media reports that utility company representatives were caught mocking New Yorkers struggling to afford utility bills. By directing the Department of Public Service to launch a statewide investigation, the Governor made clear that demeaning or threatening vulnerable New Yorkers has no place in our state.

Her response reflects the urgency and seriousness this moment demands. For families and older New Yorkers already forced to choose between keeping the lights on, buying groceries, or paying for medicine, utility shutoffs are not a joke; they are a crisis. New Yorkers deserve utility companies that treat them with dignity and respect, not contempt and ridicule.

MEMBERS ONLY

We thank Governor Hochul for acting quickly and forcefully. We strongly urge a full and transparent investigation that leads to meaningful accountability and greater protections for ratepayers across New York.

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: AARP New York

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About PULP

PULP is New York’s sole independent organization dedicated to empowering and protecting the rights of low-income utility consumers. For over 40 years, PULP has educated, advocated and litigated on behalf of affordability, consumer protection and universal access to utilities. To learn more, visit www.utilityproject.org or visit PULP at www.facebook.com/utilityproject.

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