Prohibits service charges by gas companies for the repair, inspection, maintenance or remedies of damage to apparatus or personal property.

New York Assembly Bill A08868, introduced by Assemblymember Carl Heastie on June 9, 2025, aims to prevent gas companies from charging customers for services related to the repair, inspection, maintenance, or remedies of damage to gas equipment or personal property. The bill seeks to amend the public service law to ensure that gas corporations cannot impose additional fees for these services, thereby protecting consumers from extra charges associated with the upkeep and safety of their gas service equipment. The bill was referred to the Assembly Energy Committee on January 7, 2026, but did not progress further and died in committee.

While specific media coverage on Bill A08868 is limited, consumer advocacy groups are likely to support the bill, as it aims to eliminate additional service charges imposed by gas companies for repairs and maintenance. This could lead to increased consumer protection and financial relief for customers, ensuring that necessary services are provided without extra costs.

Opposition to the bill may come from gas companies and industry representatives who could argue that prohibiting service charges for repairs and maintenance might lead to increased operational costs. They may contend that these costs could be passed on to consumers through higher base rates, potentially offsetting the intended financial relief. Additionally, concerns might be raised about the potential impact on the quality and timeliness of service if companies are unable to charge for these specific services.