Electricity

Q: How will electric competition affect me?
Q: Do I have to choose a new electricity supplier?
Q: What are energy service companies (ESCOs)?
Q: Who will come if I have a problem with my electricity?
Q: Will different companies need to put up power lines in my neighborhood?
Q: Who will read and maintain the meters at my home or business?
Q: Is there a chance I will lose power when I switch companies?
Q: How will I be billed for service?
Q: Can I switch companies more than once?
A: Yes. You can switch from one company to another, or you can return to your current utility company for your electricity supply at any time. You should consider the terms and conditions of the ESCO agreement before you decide to switch.
Q: Will I be protected from being switched from one power supplier to another without my knowledge or approval?
A: Yes. To minimize the potential for the unauthorized switching of providers of electric service, a practice known as "slamming," the PSC requires ESCOs to disclose in writing - before a customer receives service - their terms and conditions for obtaining, maintaining and stopping service from that ESCO. These provisions, copies of which are filed with the PSC, include a ban against the transfer of a customer to another provider without the customer's permission. Preventive measures have been taken by the PSC. ESCOs, which "slam", must pay all costs and fees incurred by the customer and the utility arising from the unauthorized switch in providers, as well as switching the customer back. In addition, ESCOs will be subject to penalties imposed by the PSC.
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my power?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my electricity supplier?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my local utility that delivers my electricity?

Natural Gas

Q: Do I have to choose a new gas supplier?
A: No. However, you may wish to compare prices and services offered by ESCOs. Your gas supplier will continue to provide your gas if you prefer not to change suppliers.
Q: Who do I call if I smell a gas odor?
Q: Is there a chance my gas supply will be interrupted when I switch companies?
Q: How will I be billed for service?
Q: Who will read and maintain the meters at my business?
Q: Can I switch companies more than once?
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my gas?
A: No. The control of your gas service remains with your gas supplier. As the provider of last resort, your gas supplier will ensure your gas will continue to flow.
Q: What if I have a complaint with my gas supplier?
A: The Public Service Commission requires all ESCOs to offer convenient complaint handling procedures and clear information on switching. If you are not satisfied, you may still contact the Public Service Commission to register your complaint. The Commission will track complaints against ESCOs, and it may take action against companies with high complaint levels. If you are unable to resolve a complaint against your ESCO, call: 1-877-661-9223.
Q: What if my service gets switched without me asking?

Telephone

Q: Can I choose more than one company for different telephone services?
Q: Do I have to pick a long distance company?
Q: How can I make long-distance calls?
Q: Will I still be able to find the phone numbers of people or businesses that have a different local phone company?
Q: Are there different sources for directory assistance?
Q: What company do I call for repairs if more than one company provides my telephone services?
Q: How will I be billed?
Q: Can I lose my basic local telephone service if I do not pay other charges, such as long distance charges?
Q: What is "slamming?"
Q: What is "cramming?"
Q: What do I do if I've been slammed or crammed?
Q: What should I consider if I want to use a wireless phone instead of traditional telephone service?

Cable TV

Q: Is a landlord required to allow a cable television company access to a building for the purposes of installing equipment...
Q: Is a landlord required to allow a cable television company access to a building for the purposes of installing equipment to serve customers residing in other buildings?
A: Yes. New York Public Service Law §228 states that no landlord may interfere with the installation of cable television company equipment in or on his or her building. This includes equipment installed to provide service for cable television company customers in the landlord’s building and in other buildings. A landlord is also required to allow a cable television company access to his or her building for the purpose of conducting a survey of the site or making other preparations for cable television company installations. Cable television companies are required to provide a notice of the request for entry, including a proposed date.
Q: Is compensation provided for allowing a cable television company to install cables, switches, and other equipment in a bu...
Q: Is compensation provided for allowing a cable television company to install cables, switches, and other equipment in a building?
A: A nominal $1 is authorized for reimbursement unless it is demonstrated in a petition to the Public Service Commission that the extent of the cable television company’s installation results in a decrease in property value justifying additional compensation and the Public Service Commission issues an order granting the request for compensation. An application is required within four months after the installation is complete, including a detailed statement setting forth the location and space used, previous use of the space, difference in value of the property before and after the installation, and method for determining the valuations.
Q: What are my rights with respect to a cable company’s access to my property?
A: A landlord is allowed to set reasonable conditions for access to his or her property, such as, a time to enter. If a landlord establishes conditions that are considered unreasonable by a cable television company or denies access, the company may petition the Public Service Commission for an order of entry.
Q: What is an Order of Entry?
Q: What happens if cable television company personnel damage any property during an installation?