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As temperatures drop, New York Attorney General Letitia James is reminding residents of their rights regarding home utilities. New York state law mandates that utility companies must make extra efforts to contact customers before shutting off essential services like heat and hot water during the cold months from November to April. According to the Attorney General's office, utilities must wait at least 35 days after a notice is past due before terminating service and must provide at least 15 days' notice before doing so.
Additionally, utilities cannot disconnect services during the two-week period that includes Christmas and New Year's Day. Special considerations are also in place for households with serious health impairments or vulnerable individuals, such as those with serious illnesses or disabilities, or homes with children.
Attorney General James urges New Yorkers who experience unauthorized shutoffs or believe their rights have been violated to file a complaint online or call the hotline at 1-800-771-7755. Recent data shows an increase in utility bill debts, highlighting the importance of these protections.