S1329

The State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Parker to amend the Public Service Law and address utility bill affordability by narrowly defining what residential fixed charges utilities can impose. The bill passed 46-16 on a roll call vote. The measure limits utilities to charging for metering, billing, service connections, and customer service expenses, excluding state-mandated charges such as systems benefit charges, infrastructure costs, and various taxes. During floor debate, Sen. Walczyk conducted extensive questioning of the sponsor, establishing that state-mandated charges comprising an estimated 30-50 percent of utility bills fall outside the bill's scope. Walczyk argued the legislation would be ineffective and could only reduce costs for vacant properties rather than providing meaningful relief to New Yorkers. Sen. Harckham supported the bill, citing an Independent System Operator report attributing recent electricity price surges to natural gas costs. Sen. Martins voted against the measure, expressing concern that the chamber should weigh policy impacts on ratepayers' ability to afford energy before passage. The bill was restored to the noncontroversial calendar upon consent before the vote.

The Senate passed S1329, sponsored by Sen. Parker, an act to amend the Public Service Law, on a roll call vote of 45-15. The bill, which was assigned Calendar Number 143, proceeded to a vote following the reading of its final section with no recorded floor debate. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage. Fifteen senators voted in opposition: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weik, and Rhoads.