Requires legislative approval of any utility rate or charge increase approved by the public service commission; provides that the legislature can approve, modify or rescind any rate or charge increase approved by the commission by concurrent resolution; provides that the legislature can review any rate or charge increase approved in the prior 12 months.
Impact
The passage of A09032 would significantly enhance oversight of utility rates by the legislature, potentially improving consumer protection. By involving the legislature, the bill aims to ensure that rate increases are fair and justifiable, reflecting the needs and concerns of the affected consumers. Additionally, the legislature's involvement in reviewing rate changes could lead to more transparent decision-making in the context of utility services, where consumers often face significant financial impacts from rate adjustments.
Summary
Bill A09032 introduces a significant amendment to the public service law regarding the approval of utility rate increases in New York. The bill mandates that any increase in utility rates or charges that has been approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) must also receive legislative approval through a concurrent resolution. This means that after the PSC approves a proposed rate increase, it must be communicated to the legislature and can only take effect after the legislature has reviewed the increase and either approved, modified, or rescinded it within a specified time frame.
Contention
However, the bill is not without controversy. Proponents argue that it will prevent the Public Service Commission from enacting arbitrary rate increases without adequate checks and balances, aligning utility pricing more closely with consumer interests. Critics, however, may view this as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle that could delay essential rate adjustments, particularly during times of financial instability or when utility companies face rising costs that necessitate prompt rate changes. This debate between consumer protection and operational efficiency in the utility sector represents a significant point of contention surrounding the bill.
Requires consideration of evidence relating to the economic impact of major increases of rates or charges upon consumers and the areas affected by such increases of rates or charges prior to approval of any such rates or charges; establishes minimum data to be considered by the public service commission relating to such economic impact.
Requires consideration of evidence relating to the economic impact of major increases of rates or charges upon consumers and the areas affected by such increases of rates or charges prior to approval of any such rates or charges; establishes minimum data to be considered by the public service commission relating to such economic impact.
Requires legislative approval of any increased fees, rental or charges for the use of the thruway; provides that any shortfalls in revenue resulting from a denied proposal shall be made whole by the general fund.
Requires legislative approval of any increased fees, rental or charges for the use of the thruway; provides that any shortfalls in revenue resulting from a denied proposal shall be made whole by the general fund.
Requires state agencies to submit proposed rules and regulations intended to implement legislation to the appropriate committee of the legislature for approval; provides that no such rule or regulation shall take effect unless it has been approved by a majority vote of such legislative committee.