New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08540

Introduced
10/22/25  
Refer
10/22/25  

Caption

Establishes the "accountability of costs for data centers act"; requires each electric corporation, gas corporation and municipality to establish an independent classification of service for large energy use facilities that is separate and distinct from other classifications of service; authorizes the department of public service to develop financial surety requirements.

Impact

The bill necessitates that costs associated with serving large energy facilities, including infrastructure improvements and operational expenses, be allocated solely within the new service classification for these facilities. This approach aims to mitigate the financial impact on other service classifications, thus balancing the costs incurred by energy providers. Furthermore, the public service commission will have the authority to annually review and adjust service classifications and related rate structures, ensuring they stay aligned with evolving energy demands and operational realities.

Summary

Bill S08540, known as the "Accountability of Costs for Data Centers Act" or the "AC/DC Act," aims to establish distinct service classifications for large energy use facilities, primarily targeting data centers. This legislation requires electric corporations, gas corporations, and municipalities to classify their services for large energy facilities separately from other classifications. The intent is to ensure equitable treatment and unique considerations for facilities consuming significant amounts of energy, typically having a peak demand of twenty megawatts or more.

Contention

Discussion surrounding S08540 has highlighted points of contention regarding its implementation and potential implications for energy pricing. Supporters argue that it offers a necessary framework to manage the unique demands placed on energy resources by large data facilities, promoting fairness in cost distribution. Critics, however, express concerns that the focus on large energy users may lead to increased rates for smaller consumers who could bear the brunt of any imbalance created by the new classifications. The requirement for substantial infrastructure investment to serve these facilities raises questions about who ultimately bears these costs and how they will affect overall energy affordability.

Companion Bills

NY A09039

Same As Establishes the "accountability of costs for data centers act"; requires each electric corporation, gas corporation and municipality to establish an independent classification of service for large energy use facilities that is separate and distinct from other classifications of service; authorizes the department of public service to develop financial surety requirements.

Previously Filed As

NY A09039

Establishes the "accountability of costs for data centers act"; requires each electric corporation, gas corporation and municipality to establish an independent classification of service for large energy use facilities that is separate and distinct from other classifications of service; authorizes the department of public service to develop financial surety requirements.

NY S08128

Enacts the "ratepayer transparency act" which requires bills utilized by public and private gas corporations, electric corporations and gas and electric corporations in levying charges for service to include separate categories for certain charges.

NY A08414

Enacts the "ratepayer transparency act" which requires bills utilized by public and private gas corporations, electric corporations and gas and electric corporations in levying charges for service to include separate categories for certain charges.

NY S08735

Enacts the "billing transparency act"; provides that every utility corporation, energy services corporation and municipality shall provide an itemized breakdown of customers' bills each month; provides that electric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities shall maintain a dedicated and easily accessible customer website that explains customer charges.

NY H7270

Requires the public utilities commission to provide for a classification of service for retail electricity consumers that are large energy use facilities.

NY S2427

Requires the public utilities commission to provide for a classification of service for retail electricity consumers that are large energy use facilities.

NY A09107

Directs the public service commission to provide a class of service for facilities that use large amounts of energy; requires an electric company that is providing electricity service to a retail electricity consumer that is a large energy use facility to enter into a contract with the retail electricity consumer that covers the provision of the electricity service; repeals certain provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY HB3397

Data centers; defining terms; requiring Corporation Commission provide for certain classification of service; effective date.

NY A06326

Requires gas and electric corporations to provide forty-five days' notice to customers whenever there is a service rate or charge increase.

NY A09096

Requires electric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities to provide an itemized breakdown on all monthly bills detailing infrastructure costs, contributions to the New York Power Authority, and other public utility investments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.