2002 Yellow Book |
Backward Forward Cover Overview Table of Contents |
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE |
Adjusted Executive Appropriation Request Percent 2001-02 2002-03 Change Change AGENCY SUMMARY Special Rev.-Fed. 1,445,000 1,145,000 (300,000) -20.76% Special Rev.-Other 67,074,000 65,099,000 (1,975,000) -2.94% Total for AGENCY SUMMARY: 68,519,000 66,244,000 (2,275,000) -3.32% STATE OPERATIONS Special Rev.-Fed. 1,445,000 1,145,000 (300,000) -20.76% Special Rev.-Other 66,674,000 64,699,000 (1,975,000) -2.96% Total for STATE OPERATIONS: 68,119,000 65,844,000 (2,275,000) -3.34% Administration Special Rev.-Other 9,986,000 10,127,000 141,000 1.41% Total for Program: 9,986,000 10,127,000 141,000 1.41% Regulation of Utilities Special Rev.-Fed. 1,445,000 1,145,000 (300,000) -20.76% Special Rev.-Other 56,688,000 54,572,000 (2,116,000) -3.73% Total for Program: 58,133,000 55,717,000 (2,416,000) -4.16% AID TO LOCALITIES Special Rev.-Other 400,000 400,000 0 0.00% Total for AID TO LOCALITIES: 400,000 400,000 0 0.00% Regulation of Utilities Special Rev.-Other 400,000 400,000 0 0.00% Total for Program: 400,000 400,000 0 0.00% ALL FUNDS PERSONNEL BUDGETED FILL LEVELS Current Requested Program 2001-02 2002-03 Change Administration 102 102 0 Regulation of Utilities 499 499 0 Total All Other Funds : 601 601 0 TOTAL: 601 601 0 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS (Executive Budget: pp. 229-231) The Department of Public Service (DPS) is the staff arm of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and has the mandate of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to reliable and low-cost utility services. The PSC is responsible for regulating rates and services of the State's public utilities (electric, gas, steam, telephone and water companies), overseeing the siting of major electric and gas transmission lines and facilities, and ensuring the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines. As a result of legislation enacted in 1996, the Department's mandate was expanded to include the oversight and regulation of the cable television industry. Approximately 98 percent of the Department's staff are financed by utility and cable assessments pursuant to Section 18-a of the Public Service Law. The remaining two percent are financed by Federal grants and coin-operated customer-owned telephone fees. The Department of Public Service is included in the Transportation and Economic Development appropriation bill. State Operations The Governor recommends All Funds State Operations appropriations of $65,844,000 for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2002-03, reflecting a $2,275,000 net decrease from SFY 2001-02. This net decrease includes a decrease of $300,000 in Federal Funds. Funding changes within the Department include the following: -- an increase of $141,000 in Special Revenue Other Funds in the Administration Program for contractual services and equipment costs; -- a new $70,000 Special Revenue Other Funds appropriation in the Underground Facilities Safety Training Account in the Regulation of Utilities Program to provide training and education on the protection of underground utility facilities; -- an increase of $89,000 in Special Revenue Other Funds in the Regulation of Utilities Program for contractual services and a new $525,000 Maintenance Undistributed appropriation for the siting of electric generating facilities pursuant to Article 10 and Article 7 of the Public Service Law; and -- a decrease of $300,000 in Special Revenue Federal Funds in the Pipeline Safety Grant Account in the Regulation of Utilities Program due to a decrease in the amount of Federal grants available for the purpose. The SFY 2001-02 includes a recommended deficiency appropriation of $2,800,000 in the Regulation of Utilities Program. This Special Revenue Other Fund appropriation is recommended to fund consultant contracts related to an investigation of the shutdowns at the Indian Point II nuclear generating facility operated by Con Edison. Aid to Localities The Governor maintains a Special Revenue Fund Other appropriation of $400,000 from the Electric Generating Intervenor Account. Pursuant to Section 164 of Article 10 of the Public Service Law, these monies are intended to support municipal and other parties' activities related to proposed electric generation facility sitings. The Governor proposes reappropriating $5,819,000 from previous fiscal years for the same purpose. Article VII Proposals The Governor proposes Article VII legislation authorizing programs to be funded through utility assessments for the following agencies: the Departments of Health, Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Agriculture and Markets, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Consumer Protection Board. The Governor also places this authorizing language directly in the respective appropriation bills. |
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