Relates to automated identification of OTDA program participants for participation in utility corporation affordability programs for water service affordability

Automatic utility bill help for assistance recipients

New York requires automated checks to connect state assistance recipients with utility bill help. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) must set up energy checks within one year of the section’s effective date. Water checks must be in place within 18 months of that date. The Public Service Commission defines the programs and whether they cover energy, water, or both. Covered providers include energy companies, covered water companies, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and state authorities providing utility services. Water companies subject to Public Service Law section 50 are included. Utilities must sign OTDA’s data terms and supply the required account information before matching begins. When federal law, regulations, and policies permit, OTDA must share match results at least twice a year. Utilities must confirm eligibility and enroll qualifying accounts within 60 days after receiving results, then send written enrollment notices. Utilities cannot share participant information again or use it beyond confirming eligibility and sending enrollment notices. The law does not set a dollar amount for bill savings.