Month: March 2009
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Submetering Landlords Clamor for More PSC Deregulation of Electric Service
The PSC is considering new regulations proposed by its Department of Public Service Staff to “streamline” the process for waiving the longstanding prohibition against resale of residential utility service. These […] -
Groups Reply to PSC and Niagara Mohawk Defense of Gas Rate Case Settlement Proposal
In the NYS Public Service Commission proceeding examining National Grid’s request to raise natural gas rates in its Niagara Mohawk service territory, parties filed their responsive statements on March 10th […] -
President Obama Gets His First FERC Pick to Replace Kelliher
Commissioner Joseph T. Kelliher is resigning from FERC effective today, according to the FERC website. All of the current commissioners were selected by former President George W. Bush. The vacancy […] -
CO2 Cap and Trade Programs Inflate Electric Rates in Restructured States
Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate Sonny Popowsky testified to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on March 12, 2009 that a national CO2 cap and trade system being […] -
Noted Economist Amartya Sen Urges Stimulus Focus on Poor; New York State Poverty Rate Hits 14%
During this national economic crisis, responses to stimulate the economy should have a major emphasis on addressing needs of the poor. As recently observed by Amartya Sen, it is not […] -
Did Court Challenge to Legislatively Unauthorized Greenhouse Gas Allowance Scheme Prompt Governor’s Concession to Power Plant Owners?
Environmental groups reacted with consternation when Governor Paterson indicated that more RGGI greenhouse gas allowances may be distributed by DEC for the benefit of power plant owners who need to […] -
Niagara Mohawk Gas Rate Proposal Fails to Address Low Income Customer Energy Burdens and Terminations
PULP and several community organizations are the only active parties in the Commission’s proceeding examining Niagara Mohawk’s request to boost its gas rates to formally oppose the Joint Proposal (“JP”) […] -
Assembly Committees Hold Hearing to Discuss NYISO Practices and High Electric Prices
A joint hearing by the Assembly Committee on Energy and the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions was held on March 5th to discuss the practices of the New York […] -
Governor’s Budget Bill would Gut HEFPA Shared Meter Protections for Tenants in Two and Three-Family Dwellings
The Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) is New York’s Bill of Rights for utility consumers. Landords of two and three family dwellings frequently attempt to shift energy costs for […]