Joint Public Hearing: Oversight of the Public Service Commission’s processes related to rate case and generic proceedings

Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities, Commissions
Chair: Senator Leroy Comrie
and Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
Chair: Senator Kevin Parker
Public Hearing: Oversight of the Public Service Commission’s processes related to rate case and generic proceedings, and the Department of Public Service’s efforts to implement the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
Place: Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Contact: Nia James (518) 455-2701
Media Contact: Jayda Sealy (718) 765-6359
ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

SUBJECT: Public Service Commission’s Proceedings

PURPOSE: To conduct oversight of the Public Service Commission's processes related to rate case and generic proceedings, and to review the Department of Public Service’s efforts to implement and achieve the goals of Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The hearing will help garner perspective on how the Commission and the Department can function more effectively.

The Public Service Commission (“PSC”) is the primary regulatory authority charged with oversight of New York’s electric, gas, water, and telecommunication utilities. Under statute, its mission is to ensure safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. It conducts formal proceedings to set utility delivery rates and establish rules and regulations for utilities to follow, including rate cases and generic policy matters. The Department of Public Service (“DPS” or “Department”) functions as the staff arm of the PSC and provides technical and legal expertise to support the Commission’s responsibilities.

Together, the Commission and Department also carry out key state policy objectives under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (“CLCPA”), particularly those tied to utility regulation and energy system planning. Their decisions have a direct impact on how utilities deliver service, customer bills, and the State’s clean energy progress as a whole.

Many stakeholders have raised concerns about how PSC and DPS carry out rate cases and generic policy proceedings. Additionally, while the CLCPA requires all state agencies to factor in climate and equity in major decisions, questions remain about how consistently these mandates are applied in PSC proceedings, including under sections 7(2) and 7(3) of the law.

This hearing will allow the Legislature to examine whether the PSC’s current structure, practices, and priorities align with state law and our green energy objectives. The Committees will explore ways to improve transparency, broaden public participation, and ensure that decisions reflect the needs of all New Yorkers. Through the testimony garnered in this hearing, it is our hope that the Legislature can identify practical reforms to strengthen oversight and support affordability and equity.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and Energy and Telecommunications Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes duration. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and Energy and Telecommunications Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

Attendees and participants at any legislative public hearing should be aware that these proceedings are video recorded. Their likenesses may be included in any video coverage shown on television or the internet.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and Energy and Telecommunications Committees, in accordance with their policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have made their facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to State Legislature facilities and activities.