Establishes a standardized rate application template for utilities; provides that utilities have to provide certain information when filling out a standardized rate application.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9474
IN SENATE
March 16, 2026
___________
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommuni-
cations
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing a
standardized rate application template
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature finds that
2 rate increase applications filed by gas, electric, water, and other
3 regulated utilities before the New York state public service commission
4 vary widely in format, calculation methodology, and explanatory detail.
5 This lack of uniformity impedes meaningful review by regulators,
6 intervenors, and the public, and makes comparison across rate cases
7 difficult.
8 The legislature therefore declares that it is in the public interest
9 to require standardized, transparent, and clearly explained rate
10 increase filings in order to promote accountability, comparability, and
11 informed decision making.
12 § 2. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 27-a to
13 read as follows:
14 § 27-a. Standardized utility rate case filings. 1. Definitions. For
15 the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the follow-
16 ing meanings:
17 (a) "Rate application" means any petition, filing, or submission seek-
18 ing approval of a general rate increase or modification to rates, charg-
19 es, or tariffs pursuant to this chapter.
20 (b) "Utility" means any electric, gas, steam, water, or telecommuni-
21 cations corporation subject to rate regulation pursuant to this chapter.
22 2. Standardized rate application template. (a) The commission shall,
23 by rule or order, establish a standardized rate application template to
24 be used by all utilities filing rate applications.
25 (b) The standardized template shall require uniform presentation of
26 information, including, but not limited to:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15085-01-6
S. 9474 2
1 (i) an executive summary of the proposed rate increase and total
2 revenue request;
3 (ii) the projected bill impacts by customer class;
4 (iii) a detailed breakdown of operating expenses, capital expendi-
5 tures, and rate base components;
6 (iv) historical and forecasted test year data presented in a consist-
7 ent format;
8 (v) a side-by-side comparison of current rates and proposed rates; and
9 (vi) any additional schedules or exhibits the commission deems neces-
10 sary for complete review.
11 (c) Except as otherwise authorized by the commission, all rate appli-
12 cations shall be submitted using the standardized template.
13 3. Uniform calculation methodologies. (a) The commission shall
14 prescribe uniform calculation methodologies for key elements of rate
15 applications, including but not limited to:
16 (i) revenue requirement calculations;
17 (ii) cost of capital and return on equity determinations;
18 (iii) depreciation, amortization, and plant-in-service calculations;
19 (iv) allocation of costs among customer classes; and
20 (v) forecasting assumptions used in test year analyses.
21 (b) Utilities shall apply the prescribed methodologies in all rate
22 applications unless the commission grants a written waiver upon a show-
23 ing of good cause.
24 4. Explanation of calculations and assumptions. (a) Each rate applica-
25 tion shall include a clear and comprehensive explanation of all calcu-
26 lations used, including:
27 (i) identification of all formulas and mathematical methodologies
28 employed;
29 (ii) the source of all data inputs;
30 (iii) all material assumptions underlying forecasts and projections;
31 and
32 (iv)_an explanation of any changes from methodologies or assumptions
33 used in the utility's prior rate case.
34 (b) Supporting schedules and workpapers shall be provided in a format
35 that allows commission staff, intervenors, and the public to replicate
36 and verify the calculations.
37 5. Completeness review and enforcement. (a) The commission may deter-
38 mine that a rate application is incomplete if it fails to comply with
39 the standardized template or methodology requirements established pursu-
40 ant to this section.
41 (b) The commission may reject, suspend, or require amendment of any
42 noncompliant filing until such deficiencies are cured.
43 6. Public availability. All rate applications, including explanatory
44 materials and calculation workpapers, shall be made publicly available
45 on the department's website, subject to existing provisions governing
46 confidential or proprietary information.
47 7. Rulemaking authority. The commission is authorized to promulgate
48 rules and issue orders necessary to implement and enforce the provisions
49 of this section.
50 § 3. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a
51 law and shall apply to all rate applications filed on or after such
52 date.
