Relates to virtual access to public service commission proceedings
Summary
This bill amends the New York Public Service Law to require the Public Service Commission (PSC) to provide virtual access to, and virtual participation in, all commission proceedings and public sessions. The requirement applies to both parties and non-parties, so long as they would otherwise be allowed to attend and participate in person. The bill specifically mentions evidentiary hearings, procedural conferences, and other formal PSC proceedings, but uses broad language to cover all commission proceedings and public sessions.
The measure is designed to make PSC proceedings more accessible by ensuring remote attendance and participation options are available regardless of the format of the proceeding. It also authorizes any rules or regulations needed to implement the change to be adopted before the effective date, and the bill would take effect 90 days after becoming law.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section 28 to the Public Service Law and create a statutory duty for the Public Service Commission to offer virtual access in its proceedings. This would affect how the PSC conducts hearings and public sessions, potentially expanding participation by utilities, advocates, consumers, and other interested members of the public who cannot attend in person. It would also require the commission to update or adopt implementing regulations and procedures to ensure compliance.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the bill appears to be a procedural access measure with a generally positive or neutral policy posture, aimed at improving public participation and convenience. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal opposition or support is documented here. The framing suggests an accessibility-focused proposal rather than a controversial substantive change to utility regulation.
Contention
No specific points of contention are identified in the provided record because there are no committee transcripts or votes included. Potential areas of debate, if any arise, would likely concern administrative burden, technology requirements, costs of providing virtual access, and whether virtual participation should be mandatory in all PSC proceedings or limited in certain circumstances. However, none of those concerns are attributed to any person or group in the available materials.
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.
Relates to the appointment and responsibilities of the commissioners of the public service commission; requires the commission to have a duty to protect public interest, including ensuring access to utility services for residential and business customers; prohibits commissioners from having been employed within the last two years by an electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, or water utility that is regulated by the commission.
Relates to the appointment and responsibilities of the commissioners of the public service commission; requires the commission to have a duty to protect public interest, including ensuring access to utility services for residential and business customers; prohibits commissioners from having been employed within the last two years by an electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, or water utility that is regulated by the commission.