AARP, PULP PRAISE PASSAGE OF BILL TO GIVE CONSUMERS A STRONGER VOICE IN UTILITY RATE CASES
Intervenor funding will support organizations that directly advocate against rate increases
ALBANY—AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project of New York (“PULP”) today applauded the New York State Assembly for passing A.873-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, to support organizations that represent the interests of utility consumers at Public Service Commission proceedings. A companion bill, S.3034-A, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, previously passed the State Senate.
The legislation would permit groups of individuals or not-for-profit organizations that represent residential and small business utility customers to apply for reimbursement of the cost for reasonable advocate’s fees, expert witness fees, and other costs involved in proceedings before the PSC.
A statement from AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel and PULP Deputy Executive Director Laurie Wheelock follows:
“Every time regulated utility companies seek to increase rates, they’re using their customers’ money to do it. The passage of utility intervenor funding (A.873-A/S.3034-A) will level the playing field for consumers. It will ultimately foster better outcomes for the public by supporting nonprofits, community-based organizations and individuals who will advocate in favor of residential and small business customers. It will encourage new voices to join rate cases that will support lowering requested increases, enhancing customer service, and improving transparency and accountability. We thank Assemblymember Cahill and Senator Parker for their steadfast advocacy for utility customers and urge Governor Hochul to sign this into law as soon as possible.”
