Establishes a small business energy assistance and advocacy services program

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill sets forth legislative findings concerning the impact of rising costs on the State's small businesses and the need for a program of assistance and advocacy to ensure the continued vitality of this crucial sector.

Section 2 of the bill adds a new § 138-a to the Economic Development Law to establish a small business energy assistance and advocacy services program within the Division for Small Business. The program shall:

*solicit input from small businesses and organizations representing them on energy assistance needs; identify issues relating to energy availability, affordability and sustainability affecting small businesses; and develop recommendations for legislative, regulatory and programmatic actions to address such issues;

*coordinate with entities including NYSERDA, the Power Authority and other public utility authorities, the Public Service Commission (PSC) and utilities to promote small business participation in developing and implementing energy assistance programs and state energy policy;

*provide small businesses with information and materials on energy assistance programs, cooperative fuel purchasing efforts and other programs to maintain the affordability of energy, and provide access to such information and materials on the Department of Economic Development's website; and

* refer small businesses to specialists for information and assistance on affordable alternative technologies, process changes, products and operational methods to achieve energy savings.

Sections 3 and 4 of the bill amend sections 71 and 84 of the Public Service Law, respectively, to specifically authorize the Division of Small Business to initiate complaints on behalf of small businesses with the PSC regarding gas and electric (§ 71) and steam (§ 84).

Justification

Changes in the energy market are having a major impact on small businesses. Skyrocketing energy costs threaten the viability of many small businesses, while the opportunities created by conservation measures, alternative energy sources, co-generation and net metering,

and financing help often require substantial investments of time and effort. Unlike larger businesses, small businesses often lack the resources to take full advantage of available programs to assist them in lowering their energy bills and "going green."

This information gap undercuts the effectiveness of strategies to reduce fossil fuel use and reduce the environmental impact of energy use. This bill would create a "one stop" energy assistance program at the Division for Small Business to make it easier for our entrepreneurs to learn about, compare and select energy alternatives that will best fit their operations and enable continued growth. The program would enhance the ability of New York's small businesses to take advantage of programs offered by NYSERDA, public utility authorities and investor-owned utilities.

The Division would also be empowered to assist small businesses by formally bringing complaints on their behalf regarding service and price issues related to their energy service.

Taken together, the provisions of this bill will help to ensure that small businesses can take full advantage of conservation, efficiency and renewable energy programs and can obtain affordable. energy to enable them - and our economy - to grow.

Prior legislative history

See A.6640-B of 2014 -- passed the Assembly, referred to the Senate

Fiscal impact

The Department of Economic Development already receives a percentage of the basic assessment on public utilities and corporations. The percentages of assessments allocated to specific agencies are changed each year in the budget process. Any additional funding required to implement the Division's responsibilities under Economic Development Law § 138-a and the Public Service Law can be achieved through such a reallocation.

Effective date

September 1, 2017