Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is calling on Governor Hochul to sign a new bill into law. The legislation would create a State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, or UCA.
This office would act as an independent advocate for consumers in regulatory proceedings. Dinowitz stood with NYPIRG, AARP and Assemblyman Harvey Epstein to make the call.
Why advocates say it’s needed
Utility companies continue to request rate increases. Advocates say there isn’t enough pushback from an agency representing consumers. In June, over 1.26 million households had utility bills more than 60 days overdue. These households owed a total of more than $1.9 billion.
“The state is not preventing egregious rate hikes by Con Edison and other utility companies,” Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said. “The reason is simple: no independent entity is fighting solely on behalf of residential utility consumers.”
A second attempt at the bill
Governor Hochul previously vetoed the bill. She said the existing Public Service Commission and other units are sufficient representation for consumers.
Advocates disagree, noting that over 40 states already have a similar independent office. They say data shows these offices have saved consumers billions of dollars. New York is the largest state without such an office.
“Every day I hear from constituents who are struggling with rising energy costs and worried about how these increases will impact their family’s quality of life,” said New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “At this critical moment, we must level the playing field for consumers by establishing a State Office of Utility Consumer Advocate.”
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