BILL NUMBER: S7075
SPONSOR: WALCZYK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to prohibiting the
imposition of a system benefits charge on ratepayers' utility bills
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This would repeal the system benefit charge.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds section 18 to the public service law, which would
prohibit the imposition of system benefits charges on utility bills.
Section 2: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The system benefits charge (SBC) is a fee imposed on all ratepayers in
New York State. NYSERDA and PSC use these funds to research and imple-
ment energy efficient programs. Ironically, many of these programs are
inefficient and waste hard-earned money. The SBC notoriously lacks tran-
sparency as well, leaving consumers in the dark on how these dollars are
spent. Lastly, as a direct result of the Climate Leadership and Communi-
ty Protection Act (CLCPA), SBCs have skyrocketed across New York. Today,
New Yorkers consistently voice concerns about the high cost of their
utility bills. Repealing the SBC is one small step to making energy more
affordable in our state.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Approximately $100 million loss in revenue for New York State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This Act shall take effect immediately.