Requires utilities to notify property owners prior to beginning certain services

Requires utilities to notify property owners prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that may interfere with a property owner's ability to use, or access such owner's property; requires notice to include, but not limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, any road closures or detours that may occur due to such work, any action that may directly and materially impact the use of such property, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; provides notice may include electronic communications, signage, and written materials; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

VETO MESSAGE - No. 82 TO THE SENATE: I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill: Senate Bill Number 1848, entitled: "AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring corporations and municipalities to notify property owners prior to beginning certain services" NOT APPROVED This bill would require utilities to provide notice to customers of any non-emergency work which the utility reasonably believes will directly and materially impact the use of residential, commercial, or other property, not more than 30 days in advance of the start of such work. While I agree with the goal of this bill to ensure notification, the provisions of this bill present challenges for implementation and could impede utility work that is necessary to maintain the reliability and safety of New York's energy distribution systems. The ambiguity in this bill allows for misinterp...