Bill > A08174

This bill modifies the composition and eligibility requirements for commissioners of the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates utilities like electric, gas, and water services. The bill makes several key changes: it replaces gendered language with gender-neutral terms, requires at least two commissioners to have experience in utility consumer advocacy, and mandates that new commissioners represent a diverse range of professional backgrounds including economics, engineering, law, accounting, business management, utility regulation, public policy, consumer advocacy, and environmental management. Most significantly, the bill prohibits anyone who worked for a regulated utility within the past two years from serving as a commissioner, which aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest. The bill ensures that no more than three (or four, if the commission expands to seven members) commissioners can be from the same political party, and commissioners will continue to serve six-year terms, appointed by the governor with Senate approval. These changes are designed to enhance the diversity, expertise, and impartiality of the Public Service Commission by bringing in commissioners with varied professional backgrounds and preventing recent utility industry employees from regulating the same industry.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8174