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Making Policy Public

Shine A Light On Your Utility Rights

A final termination notice. The heating bill that’s four times what it was last month. A summons to court to meet with Con Ed. In all of these situations, you have rights—and there are resources available to New Yorkers who struggle to pay their utility bills. These consumer rights and programs are especially important for low-income people across New York State, who often have to choose between paying their utility bills and basic necessities like rent, food, medication, and school supplies. But consumers are often unaware of the rights they have to keep their essential electric and gas service.

That’s why CUP, Public Utility Law Project (PULP), and designer Hanna Kim teamed up to create Shine A Light On Your Utility Rights, the first guide to illustrate utility consumers’ rights in New York State. Simple text and visuals spell out practical steps you can take to tackle common utility problems, from being behind on your bills to dealing with a shutoff notice. At the center of the guide is a poster that helps people understand how to file complaints and access resources that can help them pay their bills.