In 2013, the Legislature, responding to recent weather events that left millions of New Yorkers without electricity for extended periods of time, expanded the Public Service Commission's (PSC) oversight and enforcement authority over gas and electric companies to ensure greater compliance with Public Service Law, regulations and orders of the PSC, and require greater storm preparation and response. Under this legislation, PSC was authorized to levy administrative penalties against utilities for violations and such penalties were increased. Electric utilities were required to provide enhanced emergency preparedness. This hearing will examine the PSC's implementation of regulations and orders necessary to carry out the reforms intended by this legislation.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee 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 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee 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 Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's 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.

Amy R. Paulin
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Energy

James F. Brennan
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on PSC's enhanced oversight of electric and gas corporations are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: