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?
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?
A: Because the local utility that transmits and delivers your electricity will continue to be regulated by the PSC, you may continue to register complaints with the Commission's staff. Staff can assist you in resolving the complaints against the regulated transmission and distribution company. If you wish to register a complaint, call 1-800-342-3377.

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?
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?
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?
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?
A: No. You can only lose your local telephone service if you do not pay local telephone charges. Failure to pay other charges, such as custom calling charges or long distance charges, may result in the disconnection of those particular services.
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?
A: Currently, your address and/or apartment number will not automatically be known by the emergency operator if you use a wireless phone to dial 911. Consider the quality of reception at your home or business and the rates for calls and features. Also, conversations on some wireless (and cordless) phones can be overheard on other nearby electronic devices.

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: 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?
A: The Public Service Commission may grant an order of entry, after notice and opportunity for interested parties to be heard, authorizing a cable television company to enter the building despite a landlord’s objection in order to provide cable television service to a customer. The Public Service Commission establishes a proceeding to consider any documents, comments, and other information submitted by interested parties.
Q: What happens if cable television company personnel damage any property during an installation?