Bill
S 5553
Requires regulated utilities to issue advance, detailed notices to customers and state agencies about rate hikes, boosting transparency and public participation in proceedings.
Status snapshot
- Bill number: S 5553 (printed as S5553A, amended to S5553B)
- Title: Enacts the "Rate Hike Notice Act"
- Introduced: February 24, 2025
- Sponsors: Senator Leroy Comrie (primary); Patricia Fahy (cosponsor)
- Legislative actions (selected): Referred to Energy and Telecommunications (2/24/2025); amended and printed (4/24/2025, S5553A); advanced to third reading and amended on third reading to S5553B (Apr–May 2025); passed the Senate and delivered to the Assembly (6/5/2025); referred to Assembly Committee on Energy (6/5/2025).
- Companion bill: A5442 (Assembly)
Important note about source materials
- The version content supplied to the analyst did not include legible bill text (contained embedded PDF data). The summary below describes the bill’s likely purpose, typical provisions associated with a “Rate Hike Notice Act,” and known procedural history. For exact statutory language, required notice periods, and enforcement mechanisms, consult the official bill text (S5553B) and the companion A5442 on the Legislature’s website.
Purpose and intent
- The bill’s stated title indicates the goal is to increase consumer and public notice and transparency when regulated utilities seek to increase rates. Its intent is to ensure customers, advocacy groups, and regulators receive timely, accessible information about proposed rate hikes so consumers can respond, obtain assistance, or participate in proceedings.
Key provisions (expected / commonly associated with a “rate hike notice” statute)
- Advance notice requirement: utilities must provide advance written notice to customers and relevant state agencies before an increased tariff or rate goes into effect.
- Notice content requirements: notices typically must state the proposed dollar/percentage change, effective date, reasons for the increase, how the change affects different customer classes, and information on how to contest or comment.
- Methods and timing of notice: requirements generally specify means of delivery (mail, email, bill inserts, website posting, public notice) and a minimum advance period before a rate increase takes effect. (Exact timing for S5553B not available in provided materials.)
- Consumer assistance information: directions for customers about bill-payment assistance, hardship programs, and where to get help (e.g., utility customer service, state assistance programs).
- Public participation: requirement to publish notices in venues that allow public review and possibly trigger public hearings or comment periods in connection with Public Service Commission (PSC) or other regulatory proceedings.
- Applicability and exemptions: likely applies to utilities subject to state regulation (electric, gas, water, possibly certain telecom providers); municipal utilities or small systems could be treated differently or exempted (text needed to confirm).
- Enforcement and penalties: many notice statutes include remedies for noncompliance (fines, requirement to re-notify, or procedural consequences in rate proceedings). Specific enforcement in S5553B is not available in the materials provided.
Who would be affected
- Regulated utilities and their ratepayers (residential, commercial, and industrial customers)
- Low-income and vulnerable households (improved notice could help them access assistance)
- Consumers’ advocates, municipal governments, and regulators (enhanced opportunity to review and comment)
- The State Public Service Commission (or analogous regulator), to the extent the bill creates new procedural duties
Potential impacts
- Increased transparency and consumer awareness of impending rate increases
- Greater public participation in rate-setting and more time for customers to plan or seek assistance
- Administrative and compliance costs for utilities to prepare and distribute expanded notices
- Potential procedural delays in implementing rate changes if additional notice or hearing requirements are mandated
Next procedural steps
- S5553B was delivered to the Assembly and referred to the Assembly’s Energy committee on June 5, 2025. For enactment, it must be passed by the Assembly (committee review, possible amendment, floor vote) and, if approved, be signed by the Governor.
For the definitive legal effect
- Review the official S5553B bill text and the companion A5442 (Assembly) for exact notice timelines, specified methods of notice, any exemptions, and enforcement language. These are available on the New York State Senate and Assembly bill lookup pages.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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