As a part of the SFY 2011-2012 Enacted Budget, the former CPB was merged into the DOS in the form of a new Division of Consumer Protection. The Division was granted the powers, functions and duties of the CPB, including the responsibility to represent the interests of New York's electric, gas and steam customers through the UIU. The UIU is charged with intervening on behalf of ratepayers in ratemaking, submetering and rulemaking cases before the Public Service Commission (PSC) and where necessary, representing ratepayers before federal energy agencies and entities authorized by the federal government to operate the state's bulk electric transmission system. This hearing will examine the effectiveness of the UIU since its merger into DOS.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committees will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committees' interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on The Department of State's Utility Intervention Unit are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: