Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement to a participant for its reasonable costs of participation in any proceeding before the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Summary
Bill A00836 seeks to amend the public service law and state finance law to establish a framework for utility intervenor reimbursement. This legislation allows participants, representing residential or small business customers, to apply for compensation for reasonable costs incurred while participating in proceedings before the Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill defines 'participants' and outlines the criteria for what constitutes reasonable costs, including advocate and expert witness fees, and establishes a utility intervenor account to manage these reimbursements.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would create a new financial mechanism within New York's public service law, allowing for the reimbursement of costs incurred by participants in PSC proceedings. This could enhance the ability of residential and small business customers to engage in regulatory processes, potentially leading to more equitable outcomes in utility regulation. The establishment of the utility intervenor account would require utilities to contribute funds, impacting their financial operations and possibly leading to adjustments in utility rates.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill A00836 appears to be generally favorable, as indicated by the voting history where it received majority support in multiple committee votes and a final passage vote in the Assembly. However, there was some opposition, as evidenced by the nays during committee discussions and the final vote, suggesting concerns from certain stakeholders regarding the implications of the bill on utility operations and costs.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns from some legislators and utility representatives regarding the financial burden that the reimbursement requirements may place on utilities, which could ultimately affect consumer rates. Additionally, there are discussions about the definition of 'significant financial hardship' and how it may be applied, raising questions about the potential for misuse or overreach in claims for reimbursement.
Same As
Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement to a participant for its reasonable costs of participation in any proceeding before the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement to a participant for its reasonable costs of participation in any proceeding before the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement to a participant for its reasonable costs of participation in any proceeding before the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Creates an intervenor compensation program to provide compensation in the form of grants for legal fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs to an intervenor in both, energy siting board and public utilities commission proceedings.
Creates an intervenor compensation program to provide compensation in the form of grants for legal fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs to an intervenor in both, energy siting board and public utilities commission proceedings.
Authorizes and directs the public service commission to establish rules to limit a utility's ability to recover its direct or indirect costs associated with its attendance in, participation in, preparation for, or appeal of any rate proceeding conducted before the commission.
Authorizes and directs the public service commission to establish rules to limit a utility's ability to recover its direct or indirect costs associated with its attendance in, participation in, preparation for, or appeal of any rate proceeding conducted before the commission.
Attorney general's duty to represent certain utility customers in matters before the Public Utilities Commission and in certain federal proceedings repealer and conforming changes
Attorney general's duty to represent certain utility customers in matters before the Public Utilities Commission and in federal proceedings repealed, and conforming statutory change made.