In the ongoing push to address rising energy costs and enhance consumer protections amid frequent utility rate increase requests, Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) joined lawmakers on Tuesday to pass Assembly Bill A.9441, which updates requirements for utilities to provide detailed, project-by-project justifications for any capital expenditures tied to major rate changes. These details, which will include purpose, need, total cost and benefits to ratepayers and the distribution system, must be publicly posted on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website.

“Families and small businesses are already faced with high energy costs and economic pressures across the Adirondacks. Requiring utilities to provide per-project breakdowns of the purpose, costs and benefits to customers when seeking rate changes from the Public Service Commission is a basic ask that will protect ratepayers from unnecessary burdens,” said Simpson.

“While this bill represents meaningful progress toward holding utilities more accountable, there is still work to be done in Albany as well. Unfunded mandates and excessive red tape often contribute to rate pressures, so future legislation should include clear fiscal impact assessments as well to ensure costs are fully understood before passage,” Simpson concluded.