New York Attorney General Letitia James is today issuing a consumer alert reminding New Yorkers of their home utilities rights as temperatures drop. Residential customers in New York have strong legal protections for essential winter weather services, including heat and hot water. New York state requires utility service providers to make extra efforts to reach out to households before heat-related shutoffs occur during the cold weather period and prohibits services from being shut off if health or safety problems will result.
“New Yorkers have a legal right to heat and hot water services during the winter season,” said Attorney General James. “As temperatures drop, I urge New Yorkers to know their rights when it comes to home utilities, and to reach out to my office if they feel their rights are being violated. No New Yorker should be left without heat or hot water as days and nights grow colder.”