BILL NUMBER: S7869
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to proposed rate
changes for gas and electric service
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to provide transparency related to proposed
changes in supply and delivery costs in utility rate cases for gas and
electric service.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill would update the requirement that the Public Service Commis-
sion (PSC) make available a one-page summary of major rate cases, both
after their initiation and upon conclusion, to include a breakdown of
the proposed changes to the supply and delivery charges, respectively.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates public utilities across
the state and is tasked with approving utility rate increases. The proc-
ess by which this happens, called a rate case, is a complicated, techni-
cal, and overwhelming process which often has immense consequences for
the average citizen of the state. As rates continue to rise across the
state in record-breaking proposed rate hikes, allowing consumers to know
what portions of that increase are due to commodity prices and mainte-
nance of the distribution network, will provide necessary transparency.
This bill aims to readily make available important information to
consumers and continue to improve the transparency of the ratemaking
process.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law.