NY S03034

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

Defines "compensation" as payment for reasonable advocate fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs for preparation and participation in proceedings before the Public Service Commission involving gas, electricity, steam, or submetering regulation.

Requires participants to apply for compensation within proceedings and demonstrate they can make a "substantial contribution" to the commission's decision; the Department of Public Service must decide within 30 days of application.

Allows the Department to direct utilities to pay compensation in advance if a participant demonstrates significant financial hardship, with recovery provisions if the participant discontinues participation without consent.

Creates the utility intervenor account in the State Comptroller's office to hold and disburse reimbursement monies received from utilities, with the bill taking effect 30 days after becoming law.