NY A00017

Establishes a utility intervenor reimbursement program allowing residential and small business customer groups and not-for-profit organizations to receive compensation for participation in utility regulation proceedings before the Public Service Commission.

Defines eligible participants as groups representing significant numbers of residential or small business customers (businesses with gross annual revenue of $250,000 or less), excluding organizations representing utility interests or profit-seeking businesses.

Permits reimbursement of reasonable advocate fees, expert witness fees, and other direct costs for participants making a "substantial contribution" to commission proceedings involving gas, electricity, steam pricing, and submetering.

Requires the Department to decide within 30 days whether a participant may make substantial contribution and determine compensation amounts; allows advance payments for participants experiencing significant financial hardship, with recovery provisions if participation discontinues.

Creates the Utility Intervenor Account in the State Finance Law, funded by payments from public utilities, to hold and distribute reimbursement funds.