A Capital Region lawmaker wants to upend how New York picks powerful utility regulators, according to Spectrum News 1. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara rolled out a bill to reform appointments to the New York Public Service Commission amid growing anger over electric and gas charges.
The proposal would create an independent screening panel, force public disclosure of nominees, bar utility insiders, and require lawmakers to elect commissioners in a joint session. It would also mandate full financial and conflict-of-interest disclosures.
Santabarbara points to recent scrutiny after the commission approved National Grid rate hikes and says residents now pay more even when they use less energy. A separate Senate bill aims to boost the commission’s oversight tools.
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