Category: Updates
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Virgin Mobile Latest to Offer Lifeline in New York, but Will its Customers Be Protected?
On October 29, 2009, the FCC issued an order approving Virgin Mobile USA’s compliance plan , which was submitted as a condition of its designation as a “Lifeline-only” eligible telecommunications […] -
Hazel Towers Tenants Association Seeks Review of PSC Submetering Decision
We previously reported on the saga of the Hazel Towers Tenants Association complaints to the PSC regarding submetered electric service. See, e.g., Hazel Towers Tenants to Receive $20,000 Credits of […] -
Ninth Circuit: AT&T Wireless Can’t Bar Class Action Suits
When you sign up for wireless telephone service and receive a “free” cell phone in exchange for a two-year contract, if you’d like to challenge the carrier’s ability to collect […] -
Pennsylvania Regulators Halt Expensive "Smart Meter" Plan
In a wide ranging overhaul of laws affecting electric utilities and their duties in a “restructured” system that allowed utilities to form holding companies, sell off power plants, and rely […] -
Consumer Uprising Against California Smart Meter Program
BackgroundThe latest utility fad is large capital investments for massive deployment of so-called “smart meters” in residential homes. The “smart meter” hype is coming from utilities, marketeers, and some greens, […] -
Illinois Governor Appoints Community Action Leader to Illinois Commerce Commission
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has announced the appointment of John Colgan, a leader of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, to the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC”). According to Governor […] -
Telephone Lifeline for Residents of Homeless Shelters
On July 17, 2009, TracFone Wireless sent a letter to the FCC raising an interesting question: Since the FCC’s Rules specifically limit Lifeline discount telephone service to “one-per-household,” how can […] -
City Water Customers Need HEFPA Protections
Section 50 of the New York Public Service Law extended the protection of the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (“HEFPA”) to residential water customers, but omitted a major portion of […] -
OTDA Implements Amendment Easing Repayment Terms for Emergency Utility Assistance
We have previously discussed the erosion of the public assistance safety net created by the legislature under Section 131-s of the New York Social Services Law for utility customers facing […]