Advice for New Yorkers Struggling with Electric Bills

Albany, N.Y. (AP) — New Yorkers who have seen their electric bills increase within the last few months are getting some advice.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Wednesday that national grid bills have increased on average 60 to 75% since last year. As a result, his office is receiving numerous complaints.

He's advising New Yorkers struggling to pay their bills to contact the power company to set up a payment plan. Under the state's Home Energy Fair Practice Act, consumers are entitled to spread out bills in monthly installments for up to a year.

Schneiderman says power companies are required to negotiate a deferred payment agreement based on monthly income and expenses to help alleviate some of the financial strain.