BILL NUMBER: S8947
SPONSOR: OBERACKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to increasing utili-
ty rate increase transparency
 
PURPOSE:
To require gas and electric utilities to provide full public disclosure
of fuel costs rate structures and energy sources and to mandate the
timely publication of this information when utilities seek rate or
charge increases.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 - Section 72a of the public service law, as added by chapter
863 of the laws of 1974, is amended to read as follows:
Section 72-a. Increased fuel costs. 1. Every gas and electric corpo-
ration subject to the jurisdiction of the commission shall file with the
commission, on a monthly basis, the following information regarding
increased fuel costs: (a) what services are affected by the fuel
increase; (b) base cost of fuel; (c) name and address of supplier; (c-1)
if the fuel is sourced from a supplier in Canada, all transmission and
supply related tariffs; (d) point of delivery of all fuel purchased; (e)
present average cost of fuel to said corporation; (f) dates used to
determine average; (g) amount per unit of consumption affected; and
(h) amount of fuel in storage at the end of each monthly period; (i) and
such other relevant information as the commission may require.
Section 2 - The commission shall publish the information received pursu-
ant to subdivision one of this section on its public website and shall
update such information on a monthly basis. Section 2 - Subdivision 12
of Section 66 of the public service law is amended by adding a new para-
graph (m) to read as follows: (m) notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the commission shall require a utility which files to increase any
rate or charge pursuant to the provisions of this section to provide as
part of such filing updated information as specified in subdivision six
of this section. The commission shall publish such information on its
public website within forty-eight hours of receipt.
 
EXISTING LAW:
New bill
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Utility bills continue to rise across New York State which places addi-
tional strain on families, farms, and small businesses. Despite these
increases, many ratepayers find it hard to understand what is driving
higher costs due to limited disclosure from utility providers. Utility
statements often group charges together which offers little to no expla-
nation of how rates are calculated or why they change from month to
month.
This bill strengthens oversight by requiring utilities to report
detailed monthly intoxication on fuel costs, suppliers, delivery points,
storage levels, and related charges to the Public Service Commission.
Making this information publicly available allows ratepayers and the
community to better understand the factors influencing utility rates.
When utility companies want to increase rates or charges, this legis-
lation requires them to submit updated cost data as part of their
filing. The Commission will be required to publish this information
promptly which ensures the public has timely access to relevant details
before the increases are approved. New Yorkers deserve transparency
when it comes to essential services. This legislation promotes account-
ability, strengthens consumer protections and ensures ratepayers are
informed about the true drivers behind utility costs.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S8947: 72-a public service law, 66 public service law, 66(12) public service law