Relates to providing oversight and monitoring the operations of an independent system operator

1 Co-sponsor

• Patty Ritchie

BILL NUMBER:S1337B

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to providing oversight and monitoring the operations of an independent system operator

Purpose

To provide oversight and monitoring of the operations of an independent system operator.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill defines an independent system operator, its board members, requires disclosure of information it must make available to the public, the appointment of a consumer liaison, and makes it subject to the open meetings law.

Section 2 of the bill amends the public service law in relation to an independent system operator.

Section 3 is the effective date.

Justification

Many of the decisions that govern the sale, purchase and transmission of electricity in New York State are made by a federally approved independent system operator with limited input from New York consumers.

This legislation recognizes and addresses the fact that individual action by residential consumers, small businesses and farmers for the Purposes of participating in independent system operator processes and communicating their views is difficult due to the expense of taking such action.

It is difficult for typical New Yorkers to remain on top of the day -to-day activities of an independent system operator. In many instances, the only people who can attend and participate in the decision making processes of an independent system operator are most likely representatives of generators, transmission owners, utilities and others.

Recruiting greater consumer participation will sour a more open and accountable independent system operator process that may yield creative and responsible solutions to the difficult issues associated with electricity markets in New York State,

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.