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Bill

Bill

A 9269

Grants the governor power to effectuate emergency disconnections of utilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Carroll

Grants NY governor emergency power to disconnect utilities without standard procedures during declared emergencies, bypassing regulatory oversight and due process protections.

REFERRED TO ENERGY
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Bill Summary · A 9269

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 9269 grants New York's governor emergency authority to order the disconnection of utilities (electricity, gas, water, etc.) during declared emergencies without standard regulatory procedures or advance notice requirements. The bill streamlines bureaucratic processes to enable rapid utility shutoffs when the governor determines such action is necessary for public safety or emergency response.

Why is this important

Emergency utility disconnection authority could be critical during crises—such as natural disasters, terrorist threats, or public health emergencies—where infrastructure poses immediate danger. However, this power fundamentally affects millions of residents' access to essential services and raises serious questions about due process, equity, and potential overreach during emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Disconnecting utilities without advance notice or opportunity for affected parties to respond creates legal vulnerability and may disproportionately harm vulnerable populations (low-income households, elderly, those with medical equipment dependencies)
  • Definition of "emergency": The bill's language on what qualifies as an emergency warranting disconnection is vague and could be interpreted broadly, potentially enabling disconnections beyond genuine crises
  • Regulatory bypass: Circumventing Public Service Commission oversight and utility commission procedures eliminates institutional checks and could undermine established consumer protections and rate-setting authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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