Makes all costs and expenses of the department of public service and public service commission subject to appropriation by the legislature on the certification of the chair of the department and upon the audit and warrant of the comptroller.
Summary
Bill A02470 proposes to amend the public service law in New York, specifically targeting the financial management of the Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission. The bill mandates that all costs and expenses incurred by these entities be subject to legislative appropriation, thereby increasing legislative oversight over their financial operations. Additionally, it seeks to repeal certain provisions of section 18-a of the public service law that currently govern the assessment of these costs and expenses, which could streamline the financial processes within these departments.
Impact
The passage of this bill would significantly alter the financial framework governing the Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission. By requiring legislative appropriation for all costs and expenses, it would enhance the accountability of these agencies to the legislature, potentially leading to more rigorous budgetary scrutiny and oversight. This could also affect how public utility companies and other regulated entities are assessed for costs, as the previous provisions would be repealed, possibly changing the financial obligations of these entities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A02470 appears to be cautiously supportive, as it aims to improve transparency and accountability in the financial dealings of public service entities. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential for increased bureaucracy and the implications of legislative oversight on the operational efficiency of the Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from stakeholders in the public utility sector, who could be concerned about the financial implications of the bill on their operations. There may also be differing opinions among legislators regarding the balance between necessary oversight and the potential for hindering the operational efficiency of the public service entities. Some may argue that increased legislative control could lead to delays in decision-making processes.
Same As
Makes all costs and expenses of the department of public service and public service commission subject to appropriation by the legislature on the certification of the chair of the department and upon the audit and warrant of the comptroller.
Makes all costs and expenses of the department of public service and public service commission subject to appropriation by the legislature on the certification of the chair of the department and upon the audit and warrant of the comptroller.
Allows surplus or uncommitted funds in the New York state climate investment account to be returned to ratepayers; establishes a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday; relates to audits of utility corporations; authorizes the public service commission to reconsider rate increases; grants customers the right to decline smart meters and prohibits such customers from being penalized or charged exercising such right; directs the public service commission to conduct a study analyzing the economic impact of the use of smart meters; relates to costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission; directs the public service commission to develop a formula to determine the average cost to comply with the provisions set forth in article seventy-five of the environmental conservation law; provides for a ratepayer protection tax credit; repeals certain provisions of law relating to the assessment of costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission.
Making Appropriations To Provide For The Expenses Of The Legislature, The Auditor, The Legislative Reference Bureau, The Ombudsman, And The Ethics Commission.
Making Appropriations To Provide For The Expenses Of The Legislature, The Auditor, The Legislative Reference Bureau, The Ombudsman, And The Ethics Commission.
Requires the department of public service to assign an administrative law judge to oversee the process in policy proceedings before the public service commission; provides that the department of public service shall be considered a party in policy proceedings.
Requires the department of public service to assign an administrative law judge to oversee the process in policy proceedings before the public service commission; provides that the department of public service shall be considered a party in policy proceedings.