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A 10534

Establishes a standardized rate application template for utilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes a standardized rate application template and uniform calculation methods for PSC-regulated utilities to enhance transparency, comparability, and public access.

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Bill Summary · A 10534

Summary of Bill A. 10534 (Session 2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a standardized rate application template for utilities regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC).
  • Aims to improve transparency, comparability, and accountability in rate increase filings by ensuring uniform presentation and calculation methods.

Key Provisions

1) Definitions

  • Defines two terms for this section:
    • Rate application: Any petition or filing seeking approval of a general rate increase or modification to rates, charges, or tariffs.
    • Utility: Electric, gas, steam, water, or telecommunications companies subject to PSC rate regulation.

2) Standardized Rate Application Template

  • PSC duty: By rule or order, establish a standardized rate application template to be used by all utilities filing rate applications.
  • Required content (uniform presentation):
    • (i) Executive summary of proposed rate increase and total revenue request.
    • (ii) Projected bill impacts by customer class.
    • (iii) Detailed breakdown of operating expenses, capital expenditures, and rate base components.
    • (iv) Historical and forecasted test year data in a consistent format.
    • (v) Side-by-side comparison of current vs. proposed rates.
    • (vi) Any additional schedules/exhibits the PSC deems necessary.
  • Mandatory use: All rate applications must be submitted using the standardized template unless the PSC authorizes otherwise.

3) Uniform Calculation Methodologies

  • PSC prescription of methodologies for key rate elements, including:
    • (i) Revenue requirement calculations.
    • (ii) Cost of capital and return on equity determinations.
    • (iii) Depreciation, amortization, and plant-in-service calculations.
    • (iv) Allocation of costs among customer classes.
    • (v) Forecasting assumptions used in the test year analyses.
  • Waiver authority: Utilities may request a written waiver with a showing of good cause; otherwise, the prescribed methodologies must be applied.

4) Explanations of Calculations and Assumptions

  • Each rate application must include:
    • (i) Clear identification of formulas and methodologies used.
    • (ii) Source of all data inputs.
    • (iii) All material assumptions underlying forecasts/projections.
    • (iv) Explanation of any changes from methodologies/assumptions used in prior rate cases.
  • Supporting schedules/workpapers must be provided in a format that allows replication and verification by PSC staff, intervenors, and the public.

5) Completeness Review and Enforcement

  • PSC can deem an application incomplete if it does not comply with the template or methodologies.
  • PSC may reject, suspend, or require amendments to noncompliant filings until deficiencies are cured.

6) Public Availability

  • All rate applications, explanatory materials, and calculation workpapers must be publicly available on the PSC's website, subject to existing confidentiality protections.

7) Rulemaking Authority

  • PSC is empowered to promulgate rules and issue orders necessary to implement and enforce these provisions.

Effective Date and Coverage

  • Effective date: One year after becoming law.
  • Applicability: Applies to all rate applications filed on or after the effective date.

Potential Impact

  • Increases transparency and consistency across utility rate cases.
  • Facilitates easier comparison across filings for regulators, intervenors, and the public.
  • Potentially shortens review times by reducing format-related ambiguities and ensuring key information is readily available.
  • May improve accuracy and reproducibility of calculations due to standardized methodologies and required documentation.
  • Could impose additional administrative requirements on utilities until compliance becomes routine.

Who Is Affected

  • Utilities regulated by the PSC (electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications).
  • PSC staff, intervenors, and the public who review and analyze rate cases.
  • Utilities’ ratepayers, who may benefit from clearer explanations of proposed changes and bill impacts.

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

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