Utilities, cable, internet, and phone providers would warn customers before rate increases

Covered utility and phone providers would alert customers to planned rate increases. Gas, electric, water, municipal, steam, and telephone providers are covered. Providers under section 1020-cc of New York's public authorities law would follow this rule too. The alert would be separate from the bill and state the increase, start date, where to learn more, and how to contact the provider. The alert would arrive within 30 days before the increase starts. If the bill becomes law, the rule would start 180 days later.

Cable, internet, and internet-based phone providers would alert customers to planned rate increases. The rule would cover cable companies, internet providers, and providers of phone service over the internet. The alert would be separate from the bill and state the increase, start date, where to learn more, and how to contact the provider. It would also give customers a way to cancel service. The alert would arrive at least 7 and no more than 30 days before the increase starts. If the bill becomes law, the rule would start 180 days later.