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Who cares
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Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4427
Title of bill
An act to amend the energy law, in relation to the composition of the state energy planning board
Purpose
The bill will restore consumer representation on the State Energy Planning Board.
Summary of provisions
Amends subdivision 1 of section 6-102 of the energy law, directing the Secretary of State to appoint a representative from the Consumer Protection Division's Utility Intervention Unit to serve on the State Energy Planning Board.
Justification
Over the past 15 years there has been a steep decline in state and independent resources dedicated to consumer advocacy. New York used to have robust network of state and not-for-profit entities whose mission was to stand up for the interests of residents, small businesses and low-income families when it came to energy matters. In 1994, the Consumer Protection Board had 31 staff people dedicated to utility intervention. There were also independent advocates like the Citizens' Utility Board and the Public Utility Law Project. Since that time, the utility industry has been deregulated, creating a complicated and confusing marketplace, and these important groups have been dissolved and de-funded, leaving the average citizen without a voice.
The Consumer Protection Board was eliminated in 2012. The Utility Intervention Unit was transferred to the Department of State. However, their seat on the State Energy Planning Board was not included in the new statute. This legislation will restore their representation on the Board, ensuring the considerations of consumer interests are included in the State Energy plan.
Legislative history
S.5290 of 2013-14
Fiscal implications
None.
Local fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.