Provides that whenever the public service commission denies a request by a utility for a major change in rates or charges, the schedule, rate, charge, form of contract or agreement, rule, regulation, general privilege, facility, or service immediately in effect prior to such request shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the commission approves a new rate, charge.
Impact
The implications of A02740 on state laws are significant, particularly regarding consumer protection and utility regulation. By ensuring that current rates remain in effect during the commission's review of rate increase requests, the bill seeks to protect consumers from potential overcharging. This could lead to a greater public confidence in the regulatory process and the assurance that rates will be subject to scrutiny before changes are implemented. This change is expected to alter the operational approach of utilities, which may need to prepare for longer periods without the potential for immediate rate adjustments.
Summary
Bill A02740 aims to amend the Public Service Law in New York by stipulating that whenever the Public Service Commission denies an increased rate or charge proposed by a utility, the existing rates and charges immediately prior to the denial shall remain in effect. This provision is designed to create stability for consumers and to prevent sudden hikes in utility costs that may occur while the commission deliberates on proposed increases. The bill establishes a framework where utilities cannot impose new rates until the commission approves them, thus mitigating the financial impact on consumers during the evaluation process.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly from utility companies that may argue such long waiting periods for rate adjustments could hinder their financial viability and operational funding. Critics might voice concerns that overly stringent regulations could disincentivize necessary investments in infrastructure and maintenance from the utility providers. On the other hand, consumer advocacy groups are likely to support this bill as a means to ensure accountability and transparency in utility pricing, advocating for a balance between fair consumer costs and utility revenue needs.
Same As
Provides that whenever the public service commission denies a request by a utility for a major change in rates or charges, the schedule, rate, charge, form of contract or agreement, rule, regulation, general privilege, facility, or service immediately in effect prior to such request shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the commission approves a new rate, charge.
Provides that whenever the public service commission denies a request by a utility for a major change in rates or charges, the schedule, rate, charge, form of contract or agreement, rule, regulation, general privilege, facility, or service immediately in effect prior to such request shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the commission approves a new rate, charge.
Requires consideration of evidence relating to the economic impact of major increases of rates or charges upon consumers and the areas affected by such increases of rates or charges prior to approval of any such rates or charges; establishes minimum data to be considered by the public service commission relating to such economic impact.
Requires consideration of evidence relating to the economic impact of major increases of rates or charges upon consumers and the areas affected by such increases of rates or charges prior to approval of any such rates or charges; establishes minimum data to be considered by the public service commission relating to such economic impact.
Requires legislative approval of any utility rate or charge increase approved by the public service commission; provides that the legislature can approve, modify or rescind any rate or charge increase approved by the commission by concurrent resolution; provides that the legislature can review any rate or charge increase approved in the prior 12 months.
Requires legislative approval of any utility rate or charge increase approved by the public service commission; provides that the legislature can approve, modify or rescind any rate or charge increase approved by the commission by concurrent resolution; provides that the legislature can review any rate or charge increase approved in the prior 12 months.
Requires respective changes to service and delivery charges for gas or electric service to be included in the information regarding average proposed rate changes required to be published by the public service commission in certain instances.
Requires respective changes to service and delivery charges for gas or electric service to be included in the information regarding average proposed rate changes required to be published by the public service commission in certain instances.
Requires the public service commission to post a written summary of the actions taken by the commission or department upon approval of a major change in rates to promote ratepayer affordability and minimizing residential energy burden.