Bill > S01012

This bill prohibits public utilities from including certain expenses in their operating costs that would be recovered through customer rates. Specifically, the bill bars utilities from charging ratepayers for political contributions, gifts to political candidates or parties, donations to trade associations or charities, lobbying expenses, entertainment and travel costs for executives, investor relations, and most public relations and advertising campaigns. The bill requires public utilities with over 75,000 customers to submit annual reports to the state Public Service Commission detailing any such prohibited expenses, including those paid through membership organizations. Additionally, utilities must file quarterly reports if they engage in major political activities. The bill defines key terms like "public utility," "trade association," and "charity," and applies slightly different rules to consumer-owned utilities. The Public Service Commission is tasked with adopting rules to implement these restrictions, which aim to prevent utility companies from using customer-generated revenue for activities not directly related to providing utility services. The legislation will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1012