Looking to protect energy consumers throughout New York State, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced that her legislation to restore a consumer protection representative to the state Energy Planning Board has passed through the Assembly Committee on Energy and now moves on to a full Assembly vote (A.7069). Barrett says her bill to safeguard consumers is especially important in light of the proposed merger between Central Hudson and Fortis, Inc. and the public criticisms it has received regarding its possible harmful impact on consumers.

“Consumers should always have a voice – especially when the services they use and rates they pay are affected,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “My legislation is designed to ensure that the State Energy Planning Board includes a consumer protection representative so that paying customers have a say in the state’s energy plan moving forward.”

Specifically, Barrett’s legislation would authorize the Secretary of State to appoint a person from the Consumer Protection Division’s Utility Intervention Unit to the state’s Energy Planning Board. In 2012, the Utility Intervention Unit was transferred to the Department of State, and the consumer protection representative spot on the Energy Planning Board was lost. The bill would restore the unit’s seat on the Energy Planning Board.

The State Energy Planning Board is responsible for creating plans to meet future energy demands, while balancing all major aspects involved, including: economic development, climate change, environmental quality, health, safety and welfare of the public, transportation and consumer energy cost objectives. Currently, the Energy Planning Board consists of members from a variety of state agencies representing all related interests, except a consumer advocate, Assemblymember Barrett explained.

On the current state of the proposed takeover of Central Hudson Gas & Electric by Fortis, Barrett said, “Although I am not totally sold on the proposed merger, the fact that Central Hudson and Fortis are listening to the concerns of our residents and making changes is very encouraging. At the end of the day, we must make sure that the deal is beneficial to the public and that ratepayers are protected.”

Recently, Central Hudson and Fortis, Inc. announced that the proposed merger would be enhanced to include a three year delivery rate freeze, extra community support and “no layoff” assurance for employees for up to four years.