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?
A: No, there will be no interruption of service if you switch to an ESCO, or from one ESCO to another.
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?
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?
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?
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?
A: If you choose an ESCO, you may receive two bills - one bill from the ESCO for the gas commodity, and one from your gas supplier for gas delivery services and maintenance of the system.
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?
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?
A: To make long distance calls from most homes or businesses, you can use your chosen long distance company. You can also use a calling card (prepaid or from a company that bills you), one of the advertised "10-10" ("dial around") services, or a toll-free telephone number that connects you to a specific long-distance company.
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?
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: 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?