BILL NUMBER: S6484A
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the economic development law and the public service law,
in relation to small business energy assistance and advocacy services
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would improve New York's business climate by providing for a
program of small business energy assistance and advocacy.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill sets forth legislative findings concerning the
impact of rising costs on the State's small businesses and the need for
a program of assistance and advocacy to ensure the continued vitality of
this crucial sector.
Section 2 of the bill adds a new § 138-a to the Economic Development Law
to establish a small business energy assistance and advocacy services
program within the Division for Small Business. The program shall:
*solicit input from small businesses and organizations representing them
on energy assistance needs; identify issues relating to energy avail-
ability, affordability and sustainability affecting small businesses;
and develop recommendations for legislative, regulatory and programmatic
actions to address such issues;
*coordinate with entities including NYSERDA, the Power Authority and
other public utility authorities, the Public Service Commission (PSC)
and utilities to promote small business participation in developing and
implementing energy assistance programs and state energy policy;
*provide small businesses with information and materials on energy
assistance programs, cooperative fuel purchasing efforts and other
programs to maintain the affordability of energy, and provide access to
such information and materials on the Empire State Development website;
and
*refer small businesses to specialists for information and assistance on
affordable alternative technologies, process changes, products and oper-
ational methods to achieve energy savings.
Sections 3 and 4 of the bill amend sections 71 and 84 of the Public
Service Law, respectively, to specifically authorize the Division of
Small Business to initiate complaints on behalf of small businesses with
the PSC regarding gas and electric (§ 71) and steam (§ 84).
 
JUSTIFICATION:
For small businesses, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic combined
with the skyrocketing cost of utilities has put greater pressure on
their financial viability. New York has taken great steps towards better
ratepayer protections and methods for cutting the cost of utilities, but
small businesses face unique constraints and situations when it comes to
dealing with energy costs.
Unlike larger businesses which have greater resources to make energy
efficiency upgrades and qualify for grant assistance programs, small
businesses are left to do their own heavy lifting on energy efficiency
and cost cutting, while also shouldering the burden of these costs.
This bill would create a "one stop" energy assistance and advocacy
program at the Division for Small Business to make it easier for our
small business owners to learn about, compare and select energy alterna-
tives that will best fit their operations and enable continued growth,
while getting streamlined access to utility assistance programs.
The program would enhance the ability of New York's small businesses to
take advantage of programs offered by NYSERDA, department of public
service and investor-owned utilities companies. As well as providing
recommendations to these agencies and the legislature to create and
improve on initiatives targeted to small business assistance.
The Division for Small Business would also be empowered to assist small
businesses by formally bringing complaints on their behalf regarding
service and price issues related to their energy service. Taken togeth-
er, the provisions of this bill will help to ensure that small busi-
nesses can take full advantage of conservation, efficiency and renewable
energy programs.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019: Passed Both Houses - Vetoed by Gov
2015-16: A2521A - passed the Assembly, delivered to Senate
2017-18: A.188 passed Assembly
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
To Be Determined - Minimal Fiscal Impact on the State for staffing and
operations
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
180 Days after the bill signed

Statutes affected:
S6484: 71 public service law, 84 public service law
S6484A: 71 public service law, 84 public service law, 96 public service law, 96(3) public service law