NY A08611

Establishes the utility intervenor reimbursement program allowing groups representing residential or small business customers and certain not-for-profit organizations to seek compensation for participation in PSC proceedings related to gas, electricity, steam, and submetering regulation.

Permits eligible participants to apply for reimbursement of reasonable advocate fees, expert witness fees, and out-of-pocket costs directly related to their participation, with the PSC determining compensation amounts based on comparable market rates.

Requires the PSC to decide within 30 days whether a participant can make a substantial contribution to the proceeding; allows advance payments to participants with significant financial hardship, with recovery of unused funds after the proceeding concludes.

Creates the utility intervenor account in the state comptroller's custody to hold reimbursement monies received from utilities, which are then distributed to eligible participants through the PSC.

Takes effect 30 days after enactment.