What's happening
This bill authorizes low-cost electricity contracts for Broadway and off-Broadway theaters until June 2022, regardless of job commitments.
Why it matters
Allows Broadway and off-Broadway theaters to access low-cost electricity regardless of their ability to commit to job creation or retention. , removing a key eligibility barrier that often excludes arts organizations from energy assistance programs.
Expands the potential sources of discounted power. , including new technology demonstration projects and the Power for Jobs program, giving theaters more ways to benefit from state-subsidized electricity and potentially boosting their financial stability.
Recognizes and defines theaters specifically in law for this purpose. , ensuring that a wide range of performance venues (not just the largest ones) are eligible, which could help sustain New York City’s diverse theatrical ecosystem during challenging periods.
Provides a time-limited but immediate economic relief measure. , potentially helping theaters survive or recover from downturns (such as those caused by economic slumps or public health crises) without having to guarantee hiring increases, which may be unrealistic in uncertain times.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Cheaper Power for Theaters
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1616
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 15, 2019
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to providing electrical power to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1005 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new undesignated paragraph to read as follows:
Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the authority is authorized to enter into contracts prior to July first, two thousand twenty-one, which contracts may expire not later than June thirtieth, two thousand twenty-two, to provide low-cost electric power to Broadway, off-Broadway, or off-off-Broadway theaters. For this purpose, the authority is authorized to provide any power available from any source and under any program, including, without limitation, any new technology demonstration project or the power for jobs program; provided, however, that in considering any allocation under the power for jobs program, no customer shall be denied such allocation on the basis that such customer is unable to make commitments as to the number of jobs to be created or maintained by such allocation. For the purposes of this paragraph: (a) the term "Broadway theater", "off-Broadway theater", or "off-off-Broadway theater" shall mean a building or part of a building with one or more performance areas and one or more audience seating areas and used for the presentation of dramatic or musical theater performances and commonly referred to either as a "Broadway theater", "off-Broadway theater", or "off-off-Broadway theater"; and (b) the term "customer" shall mean the person billed by the electrical utility for electric power consumed in connection with a dramatic or musical theater performance in a Broadway theater, off-Broadway theater, or off-off-Broadway theater.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07240-01-9
S. 1616 2
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed twenty-four months after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that any contract entered into under the authority of this act may continue twenty-four months after this act shall be deemed repealed.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to providing electrical power to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill would authorize the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY) to provide low-coot electricity to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 would amend section. 1005 of the Public Authorities Law to authorize PASNY to provide low-cost electricity to Broadway and off Broadway theaters.
Section 2 would establish a sunset date of June 30, 2010, and provide that the contracts for selling such electricity could run until June 30, 2020.
Effects of present law which this bill would alter
Existing law yould not be changed except for the addition of the author- ity granted by this bill.
Justification
The Broadwey end Off-Broadway theater is one of the crowning glories of New York city's cultural life. Like every other aspect of New York City life, the theater has suffered from the aftermath of the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001. Ibis bill would provide some measure of support for the New York stage that gave solace and entertainment to the City, State and region at a time when it was sorely needed.
Prior legislative history
2017/18: S.2427 - Enerdv and Telecommunications
2015-16: S.10E9A/A.350A - Amend and Recommit to Energy and Telecom/Corporations
2013-14: S.3233.A/A.665A - Amend and Recommit to Energy and Telecom/Corporations
2011-12: S.1087A/A.1659A - Energy and Telecom/Corporations
2009-10: S.5123A/A.5062A - Energy and Telecom/CorporatIons
2007-08: A.6623
2005-06: S.206A/A.2108
2003-04: S.4596/A.1311
2002-03: S.7770/A.11660
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Minimal fiscal implications.
Effective date
Immediately. Sunsets on June 30, 2019, but contract may run until June 30, 2020.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.