New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09422

Introduced
3/11/26  

Caption

Allows surplus or uncommitted funds in the New York state climate investment account to be returned to ratepayers; establishes a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday; relates to audits of utility corporations; authorizes the public service commission to reconsider rate increases; grants customers the right to decline smart meters and prohibits such customers from being penalized or charged exercising such right; directs the public service commission to conduct a study analyzing the economic impact of the use of smart meters; relates to costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission; directs the public service commission to develop a formula to determine the average cost to comply with the provisions set forth in article seventy-five of the environmental conservation law; provides for a ratepayer protection tax credit; repeals certain provisions of law relating to the assessment of costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission.

Impact

This bill amends various provisions of the state finance law and public service law, significantly impacting how utilities operate and how customers are billed. For instance, it authorizes the public service commission to reconsider previously approved rate increases if they are deemed to substantially impact customers financially. This scrutiny into utility practices aims to protect consumers while ensuring that the push towards green energy aligns with economic realities.

Summary

Bill S09422 aims to provide a balance between advancing environmental goals and easing the financial burden on utility customers. It introduces a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday, allowing customers to benefit from a temporary reprieve from certain taxes during the applicable period. Additionally, a two-year green energy tax holiday is proposed to promote investment in renewable energy systems and electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting the state's transition toward a less carbon-intensive economy.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding S09422 include the rights of customers regarding smart meters. The bill explicitly grants customers the right to decline the installation of smart meters, ensuring they are not penalized or charged for exercising this right. This reflects a growing concern over privacy and fair billing practices among consumers. Additionally, some stakeholders fear that while tax holidays provide immediate benefits, they may undermine long-term funding necessary for utility infrastructure improvements and investments in green energy.

Companion Bills

NY A10695

Same As Allows surplus or uncommitted funds in the New York state climate investment account to be returned to ratepayers; establishes a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday; relates to audits of utility corporations; authorizes the public service commission to reconsider rate increases; grants customers the right to decline smart meters and prohibits such customers from being penalized or charged exercising such right; directs the public service commission to conduct a study analyzing the economic impact of the use of smart meters; relates to costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission; directs the public service commission to develop a formula to determine the average cost to comply with the provisions set forth in article seventy-five of the environmental conservation law; provides for a ratepayer protection tax credit; repeals certain provisions of law relating to the assessment of costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission.

Previously Filed As

NY A10695

Allows surplus or uncommitted funds in the New York state climate investment account to be returned to ratepayers; establishes a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday; relates to audits of utility corporations; authorizes the public service commission to reconsider rate increases; grants customers the right to decline smart meters and prohibits such customers from being penalized or charged exercising such right; directs the public service commission to conduct a study analyzing the economic impact of the use of smart meters; relates to costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission; directs the public service commission to develop a formula to determine the average cost to comply with the provisions set forth in article seventy-five of the environmental conservation law; provides for a ratepayer protection tax credit; repeals certain provisions of law relating to the assessment of costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission.

NY S01031

Relates to costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission; directs the public service commission to develop a formula to determine the average cost, on a per ratepayer basis, to comply with the provisions set forth in article seventy-five of the environmental conservation law; provides for a ratepayer protection tax credit; repeals certain provisions of the public service law relating to the assessment of costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission.

NY A10993

Relates to the appointment and responsibilities of the commissioners of the public service commission; requires the commission to have a duty to protect public interest, including ensuring access to utility services for residential and business customers; prohibits commissioners from having been employed within the last two years by an electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, or water utility that is regulated by the commission.

NY S07328

Relates to the appointment and responsibilities of the commissioners of the public service commission; requires the commission to have a duty to protect public interest, including ensuring access to utility services for residential and business customers; prohibits commissioners from having been employed within the last two years by an electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, or water utility that is regulated by the commission.

NY S09976

Allows settlement discussions before the public service commission to be determined publicly.

NY A10988

Directs utility corporations to petition the public service commission for approval of electric grid utilization metrics; directs the public service commission to determine which electric grid utilization metrics shall be approved and how such metrics shall be applied; directs the public service commission to submit an annual report to the legislature and governor.

NY S09608

Directs utility corporations to petition the public service commission for approval of electric grid utilization metrics; directs the public service commission to determine which electric grid utilization metrics shall be approved and how such metrics shall be applied; directs the public service commission to submit an annual report to the legislature and governor.

NY A10672

Prohibits public utilities from passing along the cost of site investigation and remediation efforts on to rate payers; requires each public utility with more than seventy-five thousand customers to submit to the public service commission an annual report containing a description of any expenses that may not be included or incorporated in the public utility's operating expenses.

NY S09964

Prohibits public utilities from passing along the cost of site investigation and remediation efforts on to rate payers; requires each public utility with more than seventy-five thousand customers to submit to the public service commission an annual report containing a description of any expenses that may not be included or incorporated in the public utility's operating expenses.

NY A10071

Requires gas corporations to file maps with the public service commission annually to assess leak-prone gas infrastructure and the decommissioning of such leak-prone gas lines; requires the public service commission to publish such maps and certain accompanying documents on the commission's website; directs the public service commission to designate neighborhood priority decarbonization zones.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.