Bill > A01299

This bill significantly increases civil penalties for public utility companies, specifically combination gas and electric corporations, that fail to comply with provisions of the public service law. The legislation raises the maximum civil penalties in a tiered structure: for the first level of violation, the maximum penalty increases from $100,000 to $2 million; for the second level, from $250,000 to $5 million; and for the most severe level, from $500,000 to $10 million. Additionally, the bill maintains a calculation method that allows penalties to be based on a percentage of the corporation's annual intrastate gross operating revenue, ensuring that the financial consequences are proportional to the size of the utility company. The penalties apply to each offense, with continuing violations treated as separate offenses, and the law aims to create a stronger deterrent for utilities that repeatedly or knowingly fail to comply with public service regulations. The changes are designed to enhance accountability and compliance within the utility sector by imposing more substantial financial consequences for regulatory infractions.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1299