Provides for the notification of impending emergencies by electric corporations to affected communities

BILL NUMBER:S5057B

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to providing for the notification of impending emergencies by electric corporations

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill provides notification of impending emergencies by electrical utility corporations to affected communities.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would mandate all electrical utility corporations to notify the chief executive officer of a municipality or the designated agency head or department head of a municipality when there is an impending electrical emergency that may affect the municipality. Each municipality notified of a pending electrical emergency shall provide appropriate notice and information to designated media outlets.

The public service commission, with the attorney general, shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to enforce the provisions of section one. The commission shall solicit input from electric corporations and municipal officials in the process of formulating such rules and regulations.

Such rules and regulations shall include but not limited to establishing protocols which address the magnitude and severity of the impending emergency, as well as protocols for notification of the public.

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day.

Justification

During the recent power outage in New York City, Con Edison failed to notify customers of the impending blackout, which occurred on July 6, 1999, nor were any efforts made to reach a broad number of people through the media. This bill, when enacted would require the utility corporations to do so in the future.

Prior legislative history

2001/02: A.7085, 2003/04: A.5268, 2005/06: A.4104 2007/08; A.4578 Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions.

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect 180 days after becoming a law.