What's happening
This bill requires that at least one member of the New York Public Service Commission have experience in utility consumer advocacy.
Why it matters
Ensures consumer interests are represented at the highest level of utility regulation. by mandating at least one Public Service Commissioner have direct experience in advocating for utility customers, potentially leading to policies that better reflect customer needs and concerns.
May lead to greater scrutiny of utility rates, service quality, and consumer protections. , since a commissioner with advocacy experience could push the Commission to more rigorously challenge utility proposals and prioritize affordable, reliable service.
Could shift the balance of expertise and perspectives within the Commission. , which has historically been dominated by individuals with backgrounds in law, industry, or government, potentially resulting in more robust debates and diverse viewpoints on regulatory decisions.
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Who cares
Governor and State Senate
The bill would require their appointments to the Public Service Commission to ensure at least one commissioner has utility consumer advocacy experience.
Public Service Commission
The bill would add a consumer advocacy experience requirement to the commission’s membership, applying to appointments made on or after the effective date.
Utility consumer advocates
The bill would require at least one seat on the commission to be held by someone with experience in their field.
Headline styles
Require Consumer Advocate Commissioner
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to economic development
- Referred to economic development
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Consumer Advocate on Commission
In Senate Committee · Energy And Telecommunications · Sponsor Michael Gianaris
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4902
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 6, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. SIMOTAS, COLTON, HOOPER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. ABINANTI, GOTTFRIED -- read once and referred to the Committee on Economic Development
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring at least one commissioner of the public service commission to have experience in utility consumer advocacy
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 4 of the public service law, as amended by chapter 155 of the laws of 1970, is amended to read as follows:
1. There shall be in the department of public service a public service commission, which shall possess the powers and duties hereinafter specified, and also all powers necessary or proper to enable it to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The commission shall consist of five members, to be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. A commissioner shall be designated as chairman of the commission by the governor to serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the governor or until his term as commissioner expires whichever first occurs. At least one commissioner shall have experience in utility consumer advocacy. No more than three commissioners may be members of the same political party unless, pursuant to action taken under subdivision two, the number of commissioners shall exceed five, and in such event no more than four commissioners may be members of the same political party.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall apply to appointments made on or after such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04535-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.