BILL NUMBER: S1847
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring
evidence and consideration of the economic impact of utility rates and
charges by the public service commission
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL::
To require consideration of the economic impact of increased rates or
charges on consumers and the areas affected by the increases.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS::
1) amends sections 65, 79, 89-b and 91 of the public service law to
require the commission to consider the economic impact of any major
increase in the rates or charges of gas, electric, steam, water-works,
telephone, or telegraph corporation.
2) adds a new section 119-a to the public service law, requiring the
commission to consider the economic impact of any proposed increase,
prior to approval of such increase. This evidence shall include:
a) the latest unemployment data, median income information, and the
number of people receiving public assistance in area affected.
b) the average monthly utility bills for each class of customers
affected by the proposed increases and the estimated increased utility
bills for these customers.
c) the latest consumer price index figures indicating the average cost.
of living and the average cost of fuel and utilities for the nation and,
if possible, for the state or service area affected.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
The spiraling cost of utility services places an increasingly heavy
burden on consumers. By requiring the PSC to consider the economic
impact of further rate increases, the utility's needs for the requested
raise would be weighed against the ability of its customers to obtain
affordable service. This legislation is not intended to impair a utili-
ty's right to a fair rate of return, but rather to require the PSC to
consider the impact of increased rates on customers whose ability to
bear such costs provides the foundation for a utility's financial integ-
rity.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
2024: S2432
2022: S5583
2017-2018: A.126 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
2015-2016: A.2048 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commis-
sions
2013-2014: A.1568 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commis-
sions
2011-2012: A.24 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
2009-2010: A.712- Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
2007-2008: A.7714 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commis-
sions
2005-2006: A.1849 - Passed Assembly
2004: A.522 Passed Assembly
2003: A.2003 - Passed Assembly
2001-2002: A.230 - Passed Assembly
1999-2000: A.1221 - Passed Assembly
1997-1998: A.2605 - Passed Assembly
1995-1996: A.761 - Passed Assembly
1994: A.2525 - Passed Assembly
1991: A.3580 - Referred to Rules
1990: A.5040 - Referred to Rules
1989: A.5040 - Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
1987-1988: A. 7549 - Passed Assembly
1986: A.2097 - Passed Assembly
1983: A.4132 - Referred to Ways & Means
1981-1982: A. 2457 - Referred to Ways & Means
1980: A.3911 - Passed Assembly
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS::
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S1847: 65 public service law, 65(1) public service law, 79 public service law, 79(1) public service law, 89-b public service law, 89-b(1) public service law, 91 public service law, 91(1) public service law