Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement

• Democratic22

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Kevin S. Parker says this is needed

The intent of this legislation is to recognize and remedy the fact that individual action by residential consumers and small businesses for the purposes of participating in utility matters and communicating their views is rendered impracticable by reason of the disproportionate expense of taking such action. PSC proceedings are offered in a way that minimizes public participation. It is incredibly difficult for typical New Yorkers to remain on top of the goings-on of the PSC. The Commis- sion's usual meeting time is * 10:30 a.m., a time when the average citi- zen or small business owners are not likely to participate. In many instances, the only people who can attend on a regular basis are most likely those whose job depends on it, such as representatives of the utilities and other special interests. The legislation recognizes that citizen participation should be encour- aged when government regulators set Policy. Individuals who seek to participate in Public Service Commission (PSC) utility proceedings are referred to as intervenors. Increased public participation through the intervenor process, if sought and not fought, will spur a more open and accountable government regulatory process that may yield creative socially responsible solutions to difficult issues. This legislation will provide a mechanism to allow residential and small business utility customers to access financial resources to become active participants in PSC proceedings. This includes the ability to receive compensation of advocate fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs associ- ated with their participation.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.