BILL NUMBER: S980
SPONSOR: ROLISON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring public
hearings on increases in utility charges
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Requires public hearings on increases in utility charges.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
In any case in which the commission will be determining whether any
increased rate, fee, rental, or charge imposed by a utility company will
occur, the commission shall, at least ninety days prior to the date when
such increase is to be decided on, hold a public hearing within the area
where such increase is proposed. Such public hearing shall include
public. comments and allow for members of the public to ask questions of
the commission and the utility related to such increase.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The price of utilities in the state have increased at an unacceptable
rate. One proposal would increase prices by fifty percent by 2025. The
way that the public service commission approves these constant rate
increases cannot stand. Currently, the new rates are negotiated for
months in backroom deals with little to no input from the public who are
actually paying these prices. By the time the hearing for the vote on
the rate increases happens an agreement has already been reached, and
the new rates are effectively rubber stamped. This process would greatly
benefit from an increase in transparency and participation from the
people having there utility prices thrust upon them with little warning.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24 S7824: Referred to Energy and Telecommunications
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law.

Statutes affected:
S980: 66 public service law, 66(12) public service law