Authorizes election by religious bodies of exemption from time of use utility service rates

1 Co-sponsor

• Eric Adams

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to rates charged religious bodies and community residence supportive living facilities

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would clarify that not-for-profit religious organizations, veterans organizations and supportive living facilities are already entitled to the lowest residential rate available, by allowing them to opt out of time of use rates.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would allow religious organizations, veterans organizations and community residence supportive living facilities to choose whether they wish to be billed at a residential rate which varies with the time of use or at the conventional single rate which does not vary with the time of use. This legislation would amend Section 76 of the Public Service Law.

Justification

Currently, religious organizations, veterans organizations and community residence supportive living facilities are entitled to receive the lowest available gas and electric rates. This existing electric rate is based on single-phase residential service, regardless of whether the religious facility actually receives single-phase or three-phase service. Normally, three-phase service would be billed at a commercial rate. Time of use rates are proposed to reduce the electric use by charging a higher rate for use during peak hours and charging a discount rate for use during off-peak hours. Typical residential customers benefit from this type of proposal by shifting their electric use to off-peak hours. However, houses of worship, churches, religious schools and other religious organizations all of which must operate during peak hours, do not have the option of shifting their electric use to non-peak hours.

Prior legislative history

1998 - A9300 - referred to corporations, authorities and commissions. 2000 - A5441 - referred to corporations. 2002 - A2259 - referred to corporations. 2004 - A6573 - referred to corporations. 2006 - S4635 - referred to energy & telecommunications. 2008 - S2290 - referred to energy & telecommunications.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.