New York § 400 - 400Unclaimed deposits and refunds for utility services
Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 400 — 400Unclaimed deposits and refunds for utility services, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 400. 400Unclaimed deposits and refunds for utility services
§ 400. Unclaimed deposits and refunds for utility services. 1. The following unclaimed moneys held or owing by a gas corporation, an electric corporation, a gas and electric corporation, a district steam corporation, an energy services company, a telegraph corporation, a telephone corporation, a telegraph and telephone corporation, or a waterworks corporation, shall be deemed abandoned property: (a) Any deposit made by a consumer or subscriber with such a corporation or ESCO to secure the payment for utility services furnished by such corporation or ESCO, or the amount of such deposit after deducting any sums due to such corporation or ESCO by such consumer or subscriber, together with any interest due thereon, which shall have remained unclaimed by the person or persons appearing to be entitled thereto for two years after the termination of the utility services to secure the payment of which such deposit was made, or, if during such two year period utility services are furnished by such corporation or ESCO to such consumer or subscriber and such deposit is held by such corporation or ESCO to secure payment therefor, for two years after the termination of such utility services. (b) Any amount paid by a consumer or subscriber to such a corporation or ESCO in advance or in anticipation of utility services furnished or to be furnished by such corporation or ESCO which in fact is not furnished, after deducting any sums due to such corporation or ESCO by such consumer or subscriber for utility services in fact furnished, which shall have remained unclaimed by the person or persons appearing to be entitled thereto for two years after the termination of the utility services for which such amount was paid in advance or in anticipation, or, if during such period utility services are furnished by such corporation or ESCO to such consumer or subscriber and such amount is applied to the payment in advance or in anticipation of such utility services, for two years after the termination of such utility services. (c) The amount of any refund of excess or increased rates or charges heretofore or hereafter collected by any such corporation or ESCO for utility services lawfully furnished by such corporation or ESCO which has been or shall hereafter lawfully be ordered refunded to a consumer or other person or persons entitled thereto, together with any interest due thereon, less any lawful deductions, which shall have remained unclaimed by the person or persons entitled thereto for two years from the date it became payable in accordance with the final determination or order providing for such refund. 2. Any such abandoned property held or owing by such a corporation or ESCO to which the right to receive the same is established to the satisfaction of such corporation or ESCO shall cease to be deemed abandoned.
Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 400
What does New York Consolidated Laws § 400 cover?
Section 400 ("400Unclaimed deposits and refunds for utility services") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New York § 400?
A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 400" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New York law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.
How does New York § 400 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.