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?
A: No. The control of your electric services remains with your utility company. If you lose your supplier for any reason, you will be given 15 days' notice to allow you time to choose a new supplier or return to the local utility.
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?
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?
A: You gas supplier will continue for now to be responsible for reading and maintaining meters.
Q: Can I switch companies more than once?
Q: Can an ESCO shut off my gas?
Q: What if I have a complaint with my gas supplier?
Q: What if my service gets switched without me asking?

Telephone

Q: Can I choose more than one company for different telephone services?
A: Yes. Many consumers are now able to choose different companies for their basic local service, local or regional toll service, and long distance service. You may choose one or more than one company to provide all your 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?"
A: Cramming is when a company places unauthorized charges for optional telephone and non-telephone related services, such as charges for psychic hotline subscriptions, personal 800 telephone numbers or chatline membership fees on your telephone bill without your consent. Some of these charges may appear on your telephone bill in unclear terms, such as "enhanced services" or "activation."
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: 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?
A: The cable television company is required to reimburse a landlord for any damage related to an installation on or within the property.