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AARP NY and PULP Call for Investigation into New York Utility Company Debt Collection Practices and the Disregard for Their Customers Well-Being

Joint Statement from AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) Beth Finkel, AARP NY State Director and Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director PULP

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Our organizations call upon Governor Hochul to begin an immediate investigation into the debt collection practices for all utilities that provide gas and electric service in New York, including PSEG-LI, and to provide all findings to the public. In addition, we strongly recommend that the Legislature conduct legislative hearings to determine if our laws need to be amended to provide more consumer protections from apparent aggressive and unacceptable debt collection business practices by New York utilities.

It is unacceptable to our organizations that recently surfaced comments from utility company representatives show a callous disregard for New York’s utility ratepayers in their debt collection practices. Comments from utility representatives at a debt collection conference this year, as reported, ranged from “People think much better in the dark” to “Hello grandma, I am coming for you if you don’t take care of this issue.” This complete lack of respect for the elderly and hardworking people struggling to pay their bills has no place in our state; New Yorkers deserve and need better when interacting with their utility.

New Yorkers, and especially older New Yorkers, are being forced to choose between heating their homes, buying groceries, or paying for prescription medication because of high utility costs. More than 1.1 million New Yorkers are currently at risk of a shutoff and nearly 30,000 households had their service cut off last month alone. This is no laughing matter and certainly should not be mocked by debt collectors working for their utility company.

These unacceptable utility practices are occurring amid a worsening energy affordability crisis that needs to be addressed. State leaders must pass a final state budget that puts consumers first, helping households afford their utility bills today while advancing stronger reforms to the PSC energy rate-setting system that has failed to protect them from rising costs.

New state policies should include an immediate energy assistance for those in need, as well as system changes such as intervenor funding and an independent Utility Consumer Advocate to push back against utilities’ interests that dominate over ratepayer needs, and to improve a PSC process that is in need of reform and rebalancing.

Our organizations believe New Yorkers deserve meaningful action on these items. Anything less would be unacceptable at a time when households across the state are struggling to keep up with rising utility costs.

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

About AARP

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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.

If you need immediate financial assistance:

One Shot Deal (Emergency Energy Assistance): A one-time payment to prevent utility disconnections due to unpaid bills (repayment may be required). This program is available year-round through your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or HRA office.
Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Provides monthly bill discounts to low-income households. To apply, contact your utility company directly or visit the Department of Public Service’s website at: dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program.

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