Bill > S06277

This bill creates a new State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) within the Department of Public Service to represent the interests of residential utility customers. The UCA will be led by an advocate appointed by the governor for a six-year term, who must have knowledge and expertise in utility customer issues. The office will have broad powers to initiate, intervene in, or participate in proceedings before state and federal regulatory agencies and courts, focusing on matters that substantially affect residential utility customers such as proposed rate changes, service terms, and policy decisions. The advocate can independently determine which proceedings to engage in, considering the public interest and potential impact on customers. The office will have the authority to request information from state agencies, enter into cooperative agreements, and is required to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature detailing its activities, including proceedings participated in, estimated consumer savings, and policy recommendations. The bill aims to provide a dedicated, independent voice to protect and represent residential utility customers' interests in regulatory processes.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6277