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[Table of Contents]
A Tenant's Guide to Getting and Keeping Gas and Electricity Service
TenantNet note: This booklet was published by Brooklyn Legal Services in 1995. Some information contained
may be out-of-date, particularly listed telephone numbers. As far as we know, there have been no updates to
this publication. While much of the information may still be valid, the reader should exercise caution.
Sources of Law
I. The Purpose Of This Booklet
II. How To Apply For Service
- A. The application process
- PSL Section 31; 16 NYCRR Section 11.3
- B. Reasons the utility company can deny service
- PSL Section 31; 16 NYCRR Section 11.3
- C. When a security deposit is required
- PSL Section 36; 16 NYCRR Section 11.12
III. How The Billing Process Works
-
PSL Section Section 38-39, Section Section 41-42;
Section 44; 16 NYCRR Section 11.11; Section Section 11.13-11.16
IV. When Utility Companies Can Terminate Service To Individually Metered Households
PSL Section 32; 16 NYCRR Section 11.4, Section 11.5
- A. Termination due to an emergency
- PSL Section 46; 16 NYCRR Section 11.18
- B. Termination for nonpayment
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.4(a)
- 1. Notice you should receive prior to termination
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.4(b)-(d)
- 2. Notice to DSS
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.4(i)
- 3. Notice to third parties
- PSL Section 40; 16 NYCRR Section 11.6
- C. What may be done to prevent or delay termination
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.4 (e)-(g)
- 1. Payment
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.4(g)
- 2. Deferred payment agreements
- PSL Section 37; 16 NYCRR Section 11.10
- 3. Special protections for some households
- PSL Section 32(3); 16 NYCRR Section 11.5
- a. Serious medical emergencies
- PSL Section 32(3)(a); 16 NYCRR Section 11.5(a)
- i. Life support systems
- PSL Section 32(3)(a); 16 NYCRR Section 11.5(a)(5)
- b. Customers who are elderly, blind or disabled
- PSL Section 32(3)(b); 16 NYCRR Section 11.5(b)
- c. Special procedures during cold weather periods
- PSL Section 32(3)(c); 16 NYCRR Section 11.5(c)
V. When Utility Companies Can Terminate Service To Entire Buildings
PSL Section Section 33-34; 16 NYCRR Section 11.7, Section 11.8
- A. Notice you should receive prior to termination
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.7(a), Section 1l.8(b),(c),(f) and (g)
- B. What may be done to prevent or delay termination
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.7(b)-(f), Section 11.8(d)
- 1. Special procedures during cold weather periods
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.7(g); 11.8(h)
VI. Illegal Termination Of Service By Your Landlord
VII. How To Have Your Service Reconnected
PSL Section 35; 16 NYCRR Section 9
VIII. Shared Meter Law
PSL Section 52; 16 NYCRR Section Section 11.30-39
- A. Landlord's responsibility for shared meter charges
- PSL Section 52(1),(2); 16 NYCRR Section Section 11.30-31
- B. Shared meter investigations
- PSL Section 52(4), (5); 16 NYCRR Section Section 11.33-34
- C. Termination of service to shared meter account
- 16 NYCRR Section 11.37
IX. Meter Seizure
C.P.L.R. Article 71
X. How To File A Complaint
PSL Section 43; 16NYCRR Section 11.20
- A. Complaints to the utility company
- PSL Section 43; 16 NYCRR Section 11.20(a)
- B. Complaints to the Public Service Commissioner
- PSL Section 43; 16 NYCRR Section 11.20(b)
XI. How To Get Emergency Help From The Department Of Social Services
SSL Section 131-s
- A. Emergency grants to prevent termination of utilities
- SSL Section 131-s
- 1. On-going recipients of Public Assistance
- SSL Section 131-s(2)
- 2. Applicants for ongoing public assistance
- SSL Section 131-s(1)
- 3. Households not eligible for public assistance
- SSL Section 131-a
- B. Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)
- 42 U.S.C. Section Section 8621, et seq.; SSL Section 97
- 1. Regular HEAP
- 42 U.S.C. Section Section 8621, et seq.; SSL Section 97
- 2. Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP)
- 42 U.S.C. Section Section 8621, et seq.; SSL Section 97
[Table of Contents]
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