Senate Bill S9342

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S9342

SPONSOR: GRIFFO
 
PURPOSE:

To require that any utility rate increase approved by the Public Service
Commission (PSC) be subject to review and approval by the New York State
Legislature before taking effect, and to allow for retroactive review of
any rate increases approved within the twelve months prior to the bill's
enactment.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Creates a new section of the Public Service Law requiring
that any rate increase for a regulated utility service approved by the
PSC be transmitted to the Legislature for a 60-day review period before
implementation.

The legislature may, by concurrent resolution of both houses, rescind or
modify the increase within the review period.  Applies retroactively to
any rate increase approved by the PSC within the twelve months preceding
the bill's effective date, allowing for reversal or modification of such
increases.
              

Requires PSC to provide written notice to the Governor, legislative
leaders, and the public within 24 hours of approving any rate increase.

Section 2: Contains severability clause.

Section 3: Sets immediate effective date.

 
EXISTING LAW:

N/A.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Utility service is a necessity, not a luxury. Decisions that increase
the cost of electricity, gas, water, and other essential services have a
direct and immediate impact on every household and business in New York
State. Currently, the Public Service Commission - an unelected regulato-
ry body - has the authority to approve rate increases without direct
input or approval from the Legislature, the elected representatives of
the people. This lack of legislative oversight has allowed significant
increases to be implemented without sufficient transparency, public
engagement, or democratic accountability. The recent August 14, 2025
approval of a National Grid rate increases for Upstate New York
-expected to cost the average household roughly $600 more annually
underscores the urgent need for reform. Many New Yorkers learned of this
decision only after it was approved, with no opportunity for their
elected officials to intervene. This bill restores that accountability
by requiring that any rate increase approved by the PSC be reviewed by
the Legislature before taking effect. If the Legislature does not
approve the increase within 60 days, it does not proceed. Furthermore,
by applying the review requirement retroactively to the last twelve
months, the bill gives the Legislature an opportunity to revisit and
potentially reverse recent increases -including the August 2025 National
Grid hike - when it reconvenes in January. By ensuring that no utility
rate increase can take effect without legislative review and potential
disapproval, this legislation puts decision-making power back where it
belongs - in the hands of the people's elected representatives.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal administrative costs associated with PSC notification require-
ments.

 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.