Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced the Assembly passed legislation that would create a state Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) to protect New Yorkers from exorbitant rate increases and represent their interests in residential utility matters (A.180). Currently, New York is one of just a few states, and by far the largest, without an independent state agency to back the interests of utility ratepayers.

“The UCA would help level the playing field between powerful utility providers and East End families to ensure transparency and accountability at a time when New Yorkers pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “This legislation aims to give those most impacted by high utility costs a seat at the table, possibly saving them a considerable amount of money when it comes to their utility bills.”

New York’s utility consumers are currently represented by the Public Service Commission and the Utility Intervention Unit; however, neither entity is independent nor has a responsibility to advocate solely on behalf of ratepayers. The Assembly’s legislation would protect consumers by creating a Utility Consumer Advocate office to ensure ratepayers are properly represented in regulatory proceedings at both the state and federal level.

Under the legislation, the office of the UCA would be required to submit an annual report to the governor and the Legislature – which would be made available to the public – containing information regarding proceedings the UCA participated in and the outcomes of those proceedings. Additionally, the report would include estimated savings to residential utility consumers which resulted from intervention by the UCA, as well as policy recommendations and changes to the law that will benefit consumers. In states where such offices exist, residential consumers have seen drastic savings on their utility costs in comparison to the amount of funding these offices require in order to operate. The UCA would be appointed by the governor, subject to Senate confirmation and serve a term of six years.

“The establishment of a UCA will not only give New York consumers an active voice, but also increase oversight in how utility rates are set and services are provided,” said Thiele.