NY A10138

Beginning January 1, 2019, LIPA's nine-member board transitions from appointed trustees to one governor-appointed chairperson (subject to Senate confirmation) and eight trustees elected from districts established by the legislature, with elections conducted by boards of elections.

Legislature must establish eight equally-populated districts by May 1, 2018, and reapportion them every ten years thereafter; first election scheduled for first Tuesday in December 2018 with trustees serving two-year terms.

Any bond issuance by LIPA requires authorization by majority of ratepayers through public referendum after at least one public hearing in each affected county.

Department of Public Service's role in rate review changes from making "recommendations" to issuing binding "approvals" for rate increases exceeding 2.5% annually; LIPA board must hold public hearings in each service area county before approving final rate plans and must consider the department's approval in its determination.

Department of Public Service is prohibited from authorizing rate increases to offset revenue loss due to consumer energy conservation efforts, and may now make recommendations regarding compensation and fee structures in operations services agreements (previously prohibited).