BILL NUMBER: S8936
SPONSOR: ROLISON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring elec-
tric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities
to provide an itemized breakdown on monthly bills detailing infrastruc-
ture costs, contributions to the New York Power Authority, and other
public utility investments
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to increase transparency and accountability
in utility billing by requiring all electric utility corporations, ener-
gy services companies, and municipalities to provide customers with a
clear, itemized breakdown of their monthly bills.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Sets forth the legislative intent, declaring that transparen-
cy in utility billing is essential to ensuring that ratepayers under-
stand how their payments are allocated.
Section 2: Amends Section 44 of the Public Service Law by adding a new
subdivision 8. This new provision requires every electric utility corpo-
ration, energy services company, and municipality to provide on each
customer's monthly bill an itemized breakdown that, at a minimum, iden-
tifies: (i) the portion of the bill attributable to infrastructure
costs, including transmission, distribution, and maintenance; (ii) the
portion attributable to contributions, surcharges, or assessments
directed to the New York Power Authority; and (iii) the portion attrib-
utable to other investments, surcharges, or fees as determined by the
Public Service Commission, including renewable energy programs, energy
efficiency initiatives, and other public policy charges.
Section 3: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense for New Yorkers, yet
most consumers receive little to no explanation of how their payments
are allocated. Ratepayers deserve to know what portion of their bills is
devoted to maintaining infrastructure, what funds are directed to the
New York Power Authority, and what amount is allocated to programs and
policies mandated by the Public Service Commission. Providing a stand-
ardized, itemized breakdown will enhance transparency and accountability
in utility billing, strengthen consumer confidence by giving customers a
clearer understanding of charges, and promote informed dialogue on state
energy policy and costs. This legislation ensures that families and
businesses are no longer left in the dark about where their money is
going, while fostering fairness and trust in the state's energy system.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S8936: 44 public service law