Requires public utility companies to charge volunteer ambulance corps and volunteer fire companies the same rates and charges applicable to residential customers

3 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• John J. Bonacic
• John A. DeFrancisco

BILL NUMBER:S1947

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to charges or fees on volunteer ambulance corps and volunteer fire compa- nies in certain cases

Purpose

Requires public utility companies to charge volunteer ambu- lance corps and volunteer fire departments the same rates and charges applicable to residential customers.

Summary

Section 1 amends the Public Service Law by adding a new section 116-a allowing certain volunteer organizations to be treated as individual customers. Presently, public utilities have the option of charging volunteer ambulance corps and volunteer fire companies commercial rates and often do so.

Section 2 amends section 66 of the Public Service Law by adding a new subdivision 29. This bill amends the public service law to require public utility companies to charge these volunteer organizations the same rates as residential customers.

Justification

Volunteer ambulance corps and volunteer fire companies provide essential services to the community. As a matter of public poli- cy, volunteer ambulance corps and volunteer fire departments should be granted the lowest fees, rates, and charges.

Currently, public utilities have the option of charging volunteer ambu- lance corps and volunteer fire departments commercial rates. In other sections of the Public Services Law veteran organizations, religious bodies and community residences are billed a lower residential rate. It is appropriate that volunteer emergency services receive residential rates as well.

The increase cost of utility services places an unnecessary burden on these public servants. In rural counties throughout the state, most of the emergency services are volunteer and cannot afford to pay high util- ity rates.

This legislation will require public utility companies to charge volun- teer fire companies and volunteer ambulance corps the same rates, charg- es, etc. applicable to residential customers for the same services. In addition, it prohibits recovery of revenue lost there from, from being recovered from ratepayers.

Legislative history

S.5520 of 2012- Referred to Energy and Telecommu- nications S.5520 of 2011- Referred to Energy and Telecommunications S.3470 of 2010- Referred to Energy and Telecommunications S.5059 of 2006- Passed Senate S.3032 of 2006- Referred to Energy and Telecommuni- cations

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

60 days after it becomes law.