2009 Request for Expedited Rate Increase -- Support for Motion to Dismiss
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection filed a response supporting the motion of the Department of Public Service to dismiss the rate filings. We agree that the companies failed to provide adequate information to justify a need for increased rates. We point out that it appeared that the sole reason for the rate increase request was to pay $400 million in dividends to its corporate parent.
2009 Request for Expedited Rate Increase -- Post-Hearing Brief
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection explains that the evidence in the record shows that the companies have adequate financial reserves and access to the capital markets to ensure that service remains safe and reliable. We also object to the budgeted cost of the companies’ filing, $8 million, explaining that ratepayers should not have to pay for such a flawed filing. In addition, the Division urges the New York State Public Service Commission to direct the companies not to pay dividends to their parent just to be certain that the companies do not cause a liquidity problem by their own behavior.
2008 Gas Rate Case -- Testimony on Consumer Issues
The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection submitted testimony on March 27, 2009, addressing service quality incentives and low-income program issues. We oppose the utility’s request for financial rewards if it exceeds specified levels of service quality, explaining that the main purpose of a utility is to provide quality service and ratepayers are already paying for service. We also propose an increase in the low-income credit and a waiver of the reconnection fee for low-income customers.
Statement in Support of Settlement Proposal
In this filing dated July 10, 2007, the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection explains that it fully supports a proposal requiring NYSEG to offer electricity to its residential and small business customers at a fixed price for each of the next three years. The Division was instrumental in crafting this proposal, which ensures that the service will be available for three years, at a reasonable price, and under reasonable terms and conditions. This settlement resolves a contested issue, reverses previous New York State Public Service Commission policy, and guarantees that residential and small business customers have access to this highly-valued service.
Brief Opposing Exceptions
In this July 14, 2006 brief, the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection explains why certain key provisions of the Recommended Decision in this case should not be modified. Proposals by NYSEG and other parties to change key portions of that Recommended Decision should not be adopted by the New York State Public Service Commission.
Brief Opposing Exceptions -- June 29, 2006
In this brief filed June 29, 2006, the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection explains that the vast majority of the June 9, 2006, Recommended Decision in this case should be adopted by the New York State Public Service Commission, particularly its recommendations that NYSEG’s electric delivery rates should be reduced substantially and that it should offer electricity at a reasonable fixed price to residential customers. The Recommended Decision adopted the vast majority of the Division’s recommendations in this case.
Reply Brief Regarding Rate Plan
In this Reply Brief filed on May 10, 2006, the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection addresses concerns raised by other parties regarding our recommendations in this proceeding. We explain why the opponents' concerns are overstated, are not supported by the extensive record in this proceedings, and should be rejected by the New York State Public Service Commission. We explain why the opponents' concerns are overstated, are not supported by the extensive record in this proceedings, and should be rejected by the PSC.
Initial Brief Regarding Rate Plan
In this brief filed on April 26, 2006, the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection identifies many reasons why NYSEG's proposal to increase delivery rates should be revised substantially, consistent with the Division's detailed testimony in this proceeding. We also explain why the Company should be permitted to offer electricity to its customers at a fixed price, with a constraint on its profits.