New York State Public Service Commission Approves Tariff Amendments to Clarify Customer Consent for Utility Communications

Strategic Insights -

The New York State Public Service Commission has approved tariff amendments proposed by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) to clarify customer consent for utility communications. The amendments aim to provide customers with clear information about the types of communications they can expect to receive from the companies, including autodialed and prerecorded/automated calls and texts related to their utility service. The commission has also directed the companies to make modifications to the proposed tariff amendments to include specific language regarding potential low-voltage due to heavy usage and to replace "include" with "be limited to" for the list of types of communications customers can expect to receive.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York State Public Service Commission has approved tariff amendments proposed by Con Edison and O&R to clarify customer consent for utility communications.
  • The amendments aim to provide customers with clear information about the types of communications they can expect to receive from the companies.
  • The commission has directed the companies to make modifications to the proposed tariff amendments to include specific language regarding potential low-voltage due to heavy usage.
  • The companies must provide on-bill notices to customers regarding the customer consent to contact provisions.
  • The requirements of Public Service Law §66(12)(b) and Title 16 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations §720-8.1 regarding newspaper publication of the tariff amendments are waived.
  • The companies must file proof of providing on-bill notices to customers with the Secretary to the Commission.

Statistics:

  • The proposed tariff amendments will become effective on December 1, 2021.
  • The companies must provide on-bill notices to customers within 60 days after the issuance of the order.
  • The companies must communicate the tariff provisions twice per year in 2022 and 2023, and once per year thereafter through bill messages.
  • The companies must notify the Secretary to the Commission on or before April 30, 2022, that all customers have been notified of the tariff provisions through on-bill notices.

Sources:

  • STATE OF NEW YORK PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION At a session of the Public Service Commission held in the City of Albany on November 18, 2021.
  • Case 21-M-0405 - Tariff Filings by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. and by Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
  • Public Service Law §66(12)(b) and Title 16 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations §720-8.1