Cuomo extends moratorium preventing utility shutoffs

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.1453-B/A.6225-A) extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting utilities to residential households and small businesses that are struggling with their bills due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the Covid-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. Utility companies must instead offer these customers a deferred payment agreement without fees or penalties on any past-due balance.

This legislation will expand to cable and broadband internet service providers and additionally make the moratorium protections available to small businesses, in keeping with priorities laid out by the Governor in his 2021 State of the State address.

“Utility companies provide essential services, and we need to make sure they continue to provide them in every situation – especially to those individuals who have suffered the most from Covid and are struggling to make ends meet,” Cuomo said. “That’s why New York was the first state in the nation to establish a statewide moratorium on all utility shutoffs during the Covid crisis and why we’re extending that moratorium to make sure every single New Yorker can continue to provide for themselves and their families.”