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The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) issued an order adopting a natural gas customer bill of rights, reporting requirements and directing tariff amendments that utilities must provide and abide by before they can issue a moratorium on new gas service.

This decision lays out certain protections and processes for new and existing gas utility customers in the event of a gas moratorium in the state.“A moratorium on providing applicants or prospective customers with gas service should be a last step, not a first option.  However, if a moratorium becomes necessary, the procedures will facilitate a uniform, transparent, and streamlined process for the commencement, continuation, and conclusion of a natural gas moratorium,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Providing a standardized Customer Bill of Rights ensures transparent and uniform protections and processes for existing and potential gas customers in the event of a potential natural gas moratorium.”

This decision also requires utilities to prepare data pertaining to low and moderate-income utility customers, as well as disadvantaged communities, before a utility declares a moratorium. Gas utilities will be required to make permanent draft tariff language regarding criteria for declaring moratoria that they had previously filed. In addition, the Commission now requires the utilities to include certain additional information in long-term plan updates related to opportunities for non-pipes alternatives.