AARP New York Commends State Senate Passage of Bill to Level the Playing Field for Utility Customers, Urges Assembly Action

Intervenor funding would allow residential customers to be better represented in utility rate cases

AARP New York today applauded the New York State Senate for passing S.3034-A, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, to better represent utility customers during Public Service Commission (PSC) proceedings.

The bill would permit groups of individuals or not-for-profit organizations that represent residential or 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.

The State Assembly Energy Committee is expected to consider a companion bill, A.873-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, this week. AARP looks forward to seeing this bill pass before the end of the legislative session in Albany.

A statement from AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel follows:

“New Yorkers pay among the highest utility rates in the nation, but they lack full and independent representation when utilities ask regulators for rate increases. Meanwhile, utility companies can simply pass their legal costs on to customers. S.3034-A will help level the playing field by reimbursing the costs for groups of individuals and organizations representing utility customers before the PSC. AARP thanks Senator Parker for his steadfast advocacy for ratepayers, and we believe under the leadership of Assemblymember Cahill this bill will pass the Assembly.”