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 S05518 seeks to amend the public service law in New York by making all costs and expenses of the Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission subject to appropriation by the legislature. This change would require the legislature to approve funding for these costs, which are currently assessed to public utility companies and other regulated entities. The bill also proposes to repeal certain provisions of section 18-a of the public service law that outline the assessment of these costs and expenses, thereby streamlining the funding process for the department and commission.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the financial oversight of the Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission. By requiring legislative appropriation for their costs, it would increase legislative control over the funding of these agencies, potentially leading to changes in how public utilities are regulated and funded. This could impact the operational budgets of these agencies and the manner in which they assess costs to public utilities and other regulated entities.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S05518 appears to be cautiously supportive, as evidenced by the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee's vote of 7 in favor and 2 against. While there is recognition of the need for legislative oversight of public service costs, there are concerns regarding the implications this may have on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns from some committee members regarding the potential bureaucratic delays that could arise from requiring legislative approval for costs and expenses. Opponents argue that this could hinder the ability of the Department and Commission to operate effectively and respond promptly to public utility issues. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of legislative oversight to ensure accountability in how public funds are utilized.
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.
Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.