This article shall apply to the provision of all or any part of the gas, electric or steam service provided to any residential customer by any gas, electric or steam and municipalities corporation or municipality. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state that the continued provision of all or any part of such gas, electric and steam service to all residential customers without unreasonable qualifications or lengthy delays is necessary for the preservation of the health and general welfare and is in the public interest.
New York Legal Code