Bill > S01701

This bill strengthens regulatory oversight and penalties for utility companies during emergency events by establishing a comprehensive framework for assessing violations and imposing fines. The legislation amends the public service law to require utility companies (including electric, gas, cable, telephone, steam, and water-works corporations) to submit annual emergency response plans to the Public Service Commission for review and approval. These plans must detail management responsibilities, communication strategies, employee safety protocols, and deployment procedures during emergencies like storms or widespread service outages. When assessing potential penalties, the commission will now consider a wide range of factors, including the scope of damages, whether violations were knowing or recurring, impacts on human safety, service reliability, economic losses to ratepayers, infrastructure maintenance, storm preparation, and other mitigating circumstances. The bill expands the commission's investigative and enforcement powers, allowing it to deny cost recovery for service restoration, impose financial penalties, and require modifications to emergency response plans. Additionally, the legislation includes protections for employees who report violations and ensures that penalty payments cannot be recovered from ratepayers, ultimately aiming to improve utility companies' preparedness and response during critical service disruptions.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1701