NY A00145

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 regulatory proceedings before the Public Service Commission.

Defines eligible "participants" as groups representing residential or small business customers (businesses with gross annual revenue of $250,000 or less) and excludes organizations whose interests primarily benefit utilities, investors, or large commercial enterprises.

Compensation covers reasonable advocate fees, expert witness fees, and out-of-pocket expenses directly related to a participant's substantial contribution to the proceeding, with payment capped at comparable market rates.

Requires the Department of Public Service to determine within 30 days whether a participant can substantially contribute to the proceeding and may direct utilities to pay compensation in advance if the participant demonstrates significant financial hardship.

Creates the utility intervenor account within the State Comptroller's custody to receive and distribute reimbursement monies from utilities for approved participant compensation; takes effect 30 days after enactment.