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NY: Utilities Can't Charge Termination Fees After Death

WAMC photo by Dave Lucas

Phone, cable and utility companies in New York may no longer charge early termination fees when service has been discontinued due to the death of a customer.

The rule was signed into law Tuesday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who said the practice of charging fees to deceased customers was "heartless and inappropriate" and created burdens for those settling their loved ones' affairs. Any provider that violates the rule is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

Democratic Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, who sponsored the legislation, says a utility tried to charge her mother an early termination fee after she died.

The new regulation applies to landline and cellphone providers, cable, television, internet, power and water companies.

© 2016 AP

Dave Lucas is WAMC’s Capital Region Bureau Chief. Born and raised in Albany, he’s been involved in nearly every aspect of local radio since 1981. Before joining WAMC, Dave was a reporter and anchor at WGY in Schenectady. Prior to that he hosted talk shows on WYJB and WROW, including the 1999 series of overnight radio broadcasts tracking the JonBenet Ramsey murder case with a cast of callers and characters from all over the world via the internet. In 2012, Dave received a Communicator Award of Distinction for his WAMC news story "Fail: The NYS Flood Panel," which explores whether the damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee could have been prevented or at least curbed. Dave began his radio career as a “morning personality” at WABY in Albany.
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