Bill > S08372

This bill amends the Public Service Law to create a new section, 24-c, which establishes a utility intervenor reimbursement program. The key provisions are: 1. It defines key terms, including "participant" (a group representing residential or small business customers), "proceeding" (certain types of proceedings before the Public Service Commission), and "substantial contribution" (where the participant's input may significantly assist the Commission's decision). 2. It allows participants to apply for reimbursement of their reasonable costs of participating in eligible proceedings, if they can demonstrate they may make a substantial contribution. 3. It allows the Department to provide advance payment to participants facing significant financial hardship, which must be repaid if the participant withdraws. 4. It requires the reimbursement to be paid by the utilities subject to the proceeding, and establishes a new Utility Intervenor Account in the state finance law to facilitate these payments. The bill aims to enable greater participation by consumer advocates and representatives of residential and small business customers in public utility proceedings before the Public Service Commission.