Lawmakers representing Lansing participate in push for utility oversight reform

New York State Legislators moved on June 5 to create new accountability measures for the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) and improve transparency for utility ratepayers.

Legislators advanced a package of bills to spur change at the PSC. In the legislative package is a bill from State Senator Lea Webb, who represents the 52nd State Senate District, including Lansing. Webb’s bill establishes an energy usage monitor program for ratepayers.

Webb’s bill comes at a time when federal and state officials representing Lansing, as well as other municipal leaders elsewhere in Tompkins County, are calling for a thorough investigation of the business practices of New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG). The utility company has been the focus of conversation for some residents on social media, who have created groups to discuss the company’s business practices and their experiences with what they deem ludicrous utility bills. 

The description for one of the groups, named “NYSEG needs to be held accountable!!,” which has more than 19,000 members, reads as follows:

“I received an almost $800 NYSEG bill for one month with the only explanation of ‘that’s how much electricity you used,’” the description reads. “I called the [state] Department of Public Service and still had no change on my bill. I let it go… Until I saw ALL OVER social media that not just me, but 1,000s of people are having the very same issue.”

A recent audit report from the PSC analyzing NYSEG’s business practices and operations, featured in Tompkins Weekly reporting, yielded 128 recommendations for the utility company to follow and improve its service.

Legislators on June 5 also passed legislation that would notify ratepayers of a proposed rate hike via text, email and their monthly utility bill; authorize the PSC to consider non-economic damages to consumers when determining penalties for utilities; and require utilities to return excess revenues to ratepayers.

“The bills in the package build on our efforts from the beginning of this year’s session, when we passed another legislative package to lower utility costs and protect ratepayers across New York state,” according to a press release from Sen. Webb. “Amid the recent proliferation of proposed rate hikes, we remain especially committed to ensuring utility providers, through their PSC-approved actions and practices, work in the best interest of New York’s ratepayers.”

The legislation passed by the State Senate:

-Establishes an energy usage monitor program: This bill, S.8062, sponsored by Sen. Webb, would establish a usage monitor program to notify customers when their energy usage exceeds a cost or usage threshold determined by them in a given billing period.

-Enacts the Rate Hike Notice Act: This bill, S.5553B, sponsored by State Senator Leroy Comrie, would enact the Rate Hike Notice Act, which directs the PSC to mandate electric and gas utilities to provide notice of a proposed rate hike to a customer via text, email and that customer’s monthly utility bill.

-Restores consumer representation on the State Energy Planning Board: This bill, S.2460, sponsored by Sen. Comrie, would authorize the secretary of state to appoint a representative from the Consumer Protection Division’s Utility Intervention Unit to serve on the State Energy Planning Board.

-Considers non-economic damages when assessing penalties for utilities: This bill, S.7165A, sponsored by State Senator Michelle Hinchey, would authorize the PSC to consider non-economic damages suffered by consumers when determining penalties, including penalties negotiated in settlements, for utilities. These non-economic damages may include, for example, any pain and suffering or mental anguish endured by a utility customer during an unplanned power outage.

-Regulates appointments to the PSC: This bill, S.7328A, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, would expand the number of PSC commissioners to eight; require the governor to appoint an additional commissioner with consumer advocacy experience; codify the PSC’s mission to ensure affordable, reliable and safe access to utility services for New Yorkers; and prohibit any employee of a utility regulated by the PSC from serving as a commissioner for two years after their employment.

-Regulates retroactive revenue recovery following suspension periods: This bill, S.5593, sponsored by State Senator Shelley Mayer, would regulate provisions that allow utilities to retroactively recover revenues based on the new rates that would have otherwise been applied during the period of a rate case and extends the statutory timeframe for a rate case to 14 months from the current time frame of 11 months, in order to provide additional time for consumer advocates and the PSC to review the utilities’ proposed rate increases.

-Returns excess utilities revenues to ratepayers: This bill, S.7693, sponsored by Sen. Mayer, would prohibit the PSC from approving any rate plan that allows a gas, electric or combination gas and electric corporation to retain revenues in excess of their authorized rate of return on equity. It would require utilities to return any excess revenues annually to ratepayers.

-Implements utility service outage provider hotlines: This bill, S.6200, sponsored by State Senator James Skoufis, would require utility companies to maintain an available 24/7 toll-free number for consumers to call to report service outages.

“Too many New Yorkers are facing skyrocketing utility bills with little warning or control,” Sen. Webb said in a press release. “That’s why I’m proud that my bill, S.8062, is part of the utility affordability package. This legislation creates an Energy Usage Monitor Program so customers can set their own usage or cost limits and get notified when they’re close to going over. It’s a simple, proactive step that puts power back in the hands of consumers and helps families better manage their monthly expenses.”

Lansing at Large appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com. Contact Eddie Velazquez at edvel37@gmail.com. 

In brief:

The Lansing Community Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program is almost here, with its first event kicking off on June 21. The library is set to host free reading program events until Aug. 23 as part of its annual summer program. 

“We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s Summer Reading Program lineup! From science experiments and live animals to hands-on art and live performances, there’s something exciting for everyone to enjoy,” reads a post on the library’s website. The entire program can be found here: 

https://lansinglibrary.org/2025/06/05/%f0%9f%93%9a-lcl-2025-summer-reading-program-calendar/

The series will kick off with a Summer Reading event featuring Circus Culture, Ithaca’s very own circus school.

Classes at Circus Culture involve children and adults from all spheres of life, from professional actors to many first-time performers.

The school is devoted to dedicated play, creative physicality and inclusive community.