Shine A Light On Your Utility Rights
Consumers are often unaware of the rights they have to keep their essential electric and gas service. This guide illustrates practical steps you can take to tackle common utility problems.
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 Public Utility Law Project (PULP) collaborated with CUP and designer Hanna Kim to create Shine A Light On Your Utility Rights, a pamphlet and fold-out poster that illustrates 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.
PULP is distributing Shine A Light On Your Utility Rights to people across New York State at in-person trainings and through legal services organizations, housing rights advocates, and elected officials. PULP plans to present the guide at community meetings, health fairs, community board events, and senior centers.
Check Out the Project
The cover and poster spread from Shine A Light On Your Utility Rights
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Project Collaborators
Community Partner
Public Utility Law Project
Rachel Burd
Richard A. Berkley
Designer
Hanna Kim
Special Thanks
Adolfo Abreu, Claude Copeland, Christine Gaspar, Ronn Jordan, Sharon Martin, Tricia Meroe, LaChanda Moor, Kyle Muckette, Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition, Oscar Nuñez, NYS Senator Kevin Parker and his staff, Jazlyn Patricio-Archer, Ruby Ramsey, Frampton Tolbert, Ashley Torres, NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres and his staff, Mark Torrey, Jenn Anne Williams, Tara Williams
Product Details
8 × 11 color pamphlet; unfolds to 22″ × 32″ poster
Funding Support
Support for this project was provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.