Climate Week in New York: Gov. Hochul Signs Two New Laws to Increase Transparency and Accountability for Public Utility Companies
ALBANY, N.Y. — In an effort to promote sustainability and transparency, Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed two new laws to increase accountability and accuracy for public utility companies in New York. The laws aim to help customers understand changes to their bills and keep energy suppliers honest.
First Law: Increased Transparency in Rate Changes
The first law, S9188/A9827, requires gas and electric companies to release more information before rates can be changed. The Public Service Commission (PSC) has 10 days from a major rate change request to share the details of that request online. The summary must include:
- The amount being proposed to change
- Justifications for changing rates
- Reports on how the new revenue will be used
- Proposed profits for company shareholders
- Dates for hearings and deadlines for comment periods
- Instructions for leaving public feedback on a rate change request
The PSC must also send these summaries to legislators and news outlets in the areas affected by the rate change request. The law is expected to take effect around November 24, 60 days from Hochul’s signing on Wednesday, September 25.
Second Law: Fines for False Information
The second law, S6710/A3746, penalizes utility companies for giving the PSC false information about rate changes. When Hochul signed it on Wednesday, this law took immediate effect. It fines any company, their staff, or anyone working on their behalf in any rate case up to $250,000 for knowingly lying, misrepresenting, or submitting false certifications to the PSC. Each false statement counts separately, and if discovered, such falsehoods must be reported to the PSC within three business days. Not reporting in time also costs up to $250,000 in fines.
Other Climate-Related Announcements
In addition to the two new laws, Hochul announced $5.5 million in grants for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure. The grants fund the installation of electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fuel station components, which ultimately cut fossil fuel emissions from the gasoline engines of traditional cars.
Hochul also announced $7 million in grants to build or renovate environmental education centers in disadvantaged, polluted areas. The grants support nonprofit, tribal, and community organizations with classes on urban ecology, indoor air pollution, green jobs, and sustainability.
SUNY Releases Sustainability Plan
The State University of New York (SUNY) released a sustainability plan on Wednesday, which outlines 125 climate and sustainability actions in phases over five years starting in 2025. The plan aims to prepare SUNY’s 1.3 million students for green careers, create zero waste across all campuses, and develop new technologies to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
GreenNY Council Releases Annual Report
The GreenNY Council released the 12th annual "Greening New York State" report, which documents progress in reaching state sustainability goals. The report details how agencies work to consume less energy, recycle more, and use green products to protect the environment.
Conclusion
These new laws and announcements demonstrate the state’s commitment to increasing transparency and accountability for public utility companies, as well as promoting sustainability and environmental education. By providing more information to customers and penalizing false information, the laws aim to build trust in the utility companies and encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the two new laws signed by Gov. Hochul?
A: The laws require public utility companies to release more information before rates can be changed and penalize utility companies for giving false information about rate changes.
Q: What are the key points of the SUNY sustainability plan?
A: The plan aims to prepare students for green careers, create zero waste across all campuses, develop new technologies to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
Q: What is the purpose of the GreenNY Council’s annual report?
A: The report documents progress in reaching state sustainability goals and highlights the efforts of state agencies to consume less energy, recycle more, and use green products to protect the environment.
