BILL NUMBER: S2460
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the energy law, in relation to the composition of the
state energy planning board
 
PURPOSE:
The bill will restore consumer representation on the State Energy Plan-
ning Board.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Amends subdivision 1 of section 6-102 of the energy law, directing the
Secretary of State to appoint a representative from the Consumer
Protection Division's Utility Intervention Unit to serve on the State
Energy Planning Board.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Over the past 15 years there has been a steep decline in state and inde-
pendent resources dedicated to consumer advocacy. New York used to have
a robust network of state and not-for-profit entities whose mission was
to stand up for the interests of residents, small businesses and low-in-
come families when it came to energy matters. In 1994, the Consumer
Protection Board had 31 staff people dedicated to utility intervention.
There were also independent advocates like the Citizens' Utility Board
and the Public Utility Law Project. Since that time, the utility indus-
try has been deregulated, creating a complicated and confusing market-
place, and these important groups have been dissolved and de-funded,
leaving the average citizen without a voice.
The Consumer Protection Board was eliminated in 2012. The Utility Inter-
vention Unit was transferred to the Department of State. However, their
seat on the State Energy Planning Board was not included in the new
statute. This legislation will restore their representation on the
Board, ensuring the considerations of consumer interests are included in
the State Energy plan.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S3021 2024
S5861 2022
S1978 COMRIE No Same as
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.

Statutes affected:
S2460: 6-102 energy law, 6-102(1) energy law