STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
10585
IN ASSEMBLY
March 13, 2026
___________
Introduced by M. of A. SANTABARBARA -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Energy
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing a
propane consumer pricing advisor and propane advisory board within the
New York state department of public service
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The public service law is amended by adding a new section
2 28 to read as follows:
3 § 28. Propane consumer pricing advisor; propane advisory board. 1.
4 There is hereby established within the department the position of
5 propane consumer pricing advisor.
6 2. (a) There is hereby established within the department a propane
7 advisory board which shall consist of twelve members as follows:
8 (i) two representatives from consumer advocacy organizations;
9 (ii) two representatives from the propane industry;
10 (iii) two representatives from small business stakeholders;
11 (iv) three representatives from rural communities within New York
12 state; and
13 (v) three representatives from suburban communities within New York
14 state.
15 (b) The purpose of such board shall be to advise the propane consumer
16 pricing advisor and the department.
17 3. The propane consumer pricing advisor, in consultation with the
18 propane advisory board, shall be authorized to:
19 (a) monitor statewide propane pricing trends and regional disparities;
20 (b) collect, analyze and publish aggregate market data;
21 (c) review contract prices and fee structures;
22 (d) develop best-practice transparency guidelines for propane busi-
23 nesses;
24 (e) issue annual reports with findings and recommendations to the
25 governor and the legislature;
26 (f) serve as a resource for consumers navigating propane pricing and
27 service agreements; and
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15159-01-6
A. 10585 2
1 (g) coordinate and consult with the office of the New York state
2 attorney general in matters involving consumer complaints, investi-
3 gations or legal actions concerning propane companies, including cases
4 involving consumers versus propane businesses.
5 4. Nothing in this section shall authorize the imposition of price
6 controls. The purpose of this section shall be to promote transparency,
7 accountability, informed consumer choice, and interagency cooperation to
8 address unfair or deceptive practices.
9 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
