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A 10424

Ensures the public has virtual access to public service commission proceedings and may file documents electronically

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Braunstein and 3 co-sponsors

The bill requires the PSC to provide virtual access to all utility proceedings and accept electronic filings, modernizing participation and document submission.

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Bill Summary · A 10424

Overview

Bill A. 10424 (Session 2025-2026, New York) would require the New York Public Service Commission (and related departments) to provide virtual access to proceedings and to accept electronic filings for most utility-related matters. The measure aims to expand public participation, streamline document submission, and reduce the need for physical presence at hearings.

Main purpose and intent

  • Enhance public access to and participation in PSC proceedings by ensuring virtual (remote) access in addition to in-person attendance.
  • Modernize filing processes by requiring electronic submission of documents in all proceedings, with limited exceptions.
  • Establish clear definitions and scope to cover a broad range of proceedings, including hearings and rulemakings for utility services.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definitions

    • Document: Broadly includes oral/written testimony, exhibits, interrogatories, motions, briefs, comments, rulings, orders, and other materials generated or filed in a proceeding.
    • Proceedings: Encompasses formal and informal matters, cases, rulemakings, rate proceedings, generic proceedings, and any action by the PSC, the Department, or components of a proceeding that may lead to decisions or recommendations. Includes evidentiary hearings per the relevant statute.

  2. Virtual access and participation

    • The PSC must provide both virtual and in-person access and participation for all proceedings involving gas, electric, combined gas-electric, and water utilities.
    • In settlement negotiations, virtual and in-person participation is limited to parties admitted under applicable confidentiality rules.

  3. Electronic filing and submission

    • The PSC and administrative law judges (ALJs) must accept electronic submissions for all proceedings.
    • Physical copies shall not be required.
    • Filing parties may use alternative formats only if they certify that electronic submission is not practicable.
    • Electronic documents must be submitted in a form and manner prescribed by the PSC.

  4. Implementation timing

    • The act takes effect 120 days after it becomes law.
    • The act authorizes immediate rulemaking changes needed to implement the provisions by the effective date.

Who/what is affected

  • Entities subject to PSC regulation (gas, electric, gas-electric, and water utilities) will be required to support and participate via virtual access channels.
  • Parties to proceedings (especially in settlement negotiations) must adhere to confidentiality rules when participating virtually or in person.
  • Filing parties across PSC proceedings will shift to electronic submissions, subject to a certification process for any non-electronic documents.
  • Administrative Law Judges and PSC staff will adopt and enforce electronic filing standards and virtual access procedures.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: 120 days after enactment.
  • Immediate rulemaking authority: The act allows (and directs) the PSC to adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions by the effective date.
  • Current action timeline (from bill history): Passed Assembly (March 2026), referred to Senate energy/telecommunications, later advanced and passed Senate (May 2026), indicating rapid movement through the 2025-2026 session.

Potential impact

  • Increased public participation and transparency, enabling broader access to hearings and documents without geographic limitations.
  • Streamlined processes and potential cost reductions for participants and the PSC due to electronic filing and reduced reliance on physical documents.
  • Enhanced efficiency for the PSC and ALJs in managing proceedings with standardized electronic submissions.
  • Privacy considerations in settlement proceedings due to confidentiality requirements for virtual participation.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to current NY practice or flag potential implementation challenges (e.g., accessibility for stakeholders with limited broadband, or ensuring robust security for electronic filings).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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