Bill > A02470

This bill changes how the New York State Department of Public Service and Public Service Commission are funded by eliminating their previous method of self-assessment and reimbursement from utility companies, and instead making all of their costs and expenses subject to direct legislative appropriation. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to require that the department's costs can only be paid through an appropriation approved by the legislature, upon certification by the chair of the department and after an audit by the state comptroller. The bill repeals several existing subdivisions of the public service law that previously outlined how the department could assess and collect funds from regulated utility companies and corporations. By removing these provisions, the bill fundamentally shifts the funding mechanism for the public service department from a self-funded model to a traditional government budgeting process where the legislature must explicitly approve funding. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving state government time to prepare for the new funding approach.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2470