Electricity

Q: How will electric competition affect me?
A: You may choose who will supply your electricity. Different companies will be able to compete for your business.
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?
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my power?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my electricity supplier?
A: The Public Service Commission requires all suppliers to offer convenient complaint handling procedures and clear information on switching. Companies are required to send customers a statement disclosing the company's complaint resolution process. Customers must also receive 15 days' notice before termination of service. You may still contact the Public Service Commission to register a complaint. The Commission will not resolve our complaint, but it will track complaints against ESCOs, and it may take action against companies with high complaint levels. If you have a complaint against your electricity supplier call 1-888-NYS-PSC8 (1-888-697-7728).
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?
Q: Who do I call if I smell a gas odor?
A: Your gas supplier will still be responsible for the safety and maintenance of the system. You will continue to report any possible safety problems and noticeable odors or gas leaks to your gas supplier.

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?
A: Yes. However, you should consider the terms and conditions of the ESCO's gas supply contract before you decide to switch.
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?
Q: What if my service gets switched without me asking?
A: Regulations are in place to prevent this from occurring. When an ESCO asks your gas supplier to make a switch in service, your gas supplier is required to notify you five days before they would make any switch, so that you have time to respond.

Telephone

Q: Can I choose more than one company for different telephone services?
Q: Do I have to pick a long distance company?
A: No. However, if you do not choose a specific long distance company, you must inform your local telephone company that you don't want to subscribe to any particular 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?
A: All local numbers will be included in the same telephone book you currently receive, regardless of which company provides your local service. There are also a variety of directory assistance services that should have updated listings of all local phone numbers.
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?
A: If you have been slammed, immediately report it to your authorized company (basic local service company or long distance company) so you can be reconnected. Warning: Do not ask to disconnect service from an unauthorized company until you have arranged to get service from your preferred company. If you have been crammed, contact your local telephone service company, which has procedures in place to resolve cramming complaints.
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 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?
Q: What is an Order of Entry?
Q: What happens if cable television company personnel damage any property during an installation?