S3734B

The Senate passed legislation amending the Public Service Law to reform utility rate-setting practices, with a 44-11 vote along largely party lines. Sponsored by Sen. Mayer, the bill establishes standards limiting utility recovery of attorneys' fees, expert witness fees, transportation costs, and other charges during Public Service Commission rate cases. The measure takes effect 180 days after enactment. During floor debate, Sen. Walczyk questioned whether the bill would provide immediate relief to constituents facing current rate increases, and pressed Mayer on why earlier committee versions included salary caps for utility executives and specific attorney fee caps that were removed in the final B print. Mayer defended the modifications as necessary compromises to ensure passage and implementation of comprehensive rate reform. Eleven Republicans voted against the bill: Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Helming, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber, and Weik.