Senate's Energy Committee Releases Investigative Report on Utility Pricing

BoroPark24 Staff

Senator James Skoufis, Chair of the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, concluded his investigation, in coordination with the Senate's Energy Committee, into the pricing practices and failures of utility companies and power producers in New York State. 

The thorough investigation brought out several regulatory gaps, which, if addressed, will save utility consumers money and time. 

The report includes recommendations to help utility companies

improve across the board, thereby benefiting their consumers. 

The report also recommended legislation that would help create greater efficiency for utility companies, benefitting the residents they serve. 

One such legislative measure was the adoption of the Build Public Renewables Act, which would provide a means toward decreasing over-reliance on fossil fuels while spurring significant in-state clean energy production. 

Other recommended legislative measures include legislation related to estimated billing limitations and requiring utilities to reimburse customers, with interest rates equal to late payment charges when overestimates result in overpayments.  

Legislation to ensure low-income and vulnerable populations are appropriately enrolled in customer assistance was also recommended.

The Public Utility Law Project of New York ("PULP") has stated its plans to review the report's findings.

photo credit: Flickr