Senate approves bill directing PSC to publish residential water cost index amid jurisdiction concerns

The New York State Senate on Thursday approved Senate print 22-53, a bill that directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop a formula and publish a residential water cost index for qualifying waterworks corporations. The bill passed with a roll-call result of Ayes 52, Nays 5; the transcript named Senators Kenzerne Fitzpatrick, Martins, Tedisco and Walzick among the negative votes.

Sponsor Senator Comrie said the measure is intended to give consumers an understandable metric to compare water costs across jurisdictions and that the PSC would do the work of developing the formula. “This bill would direct [the PSC] to develop a formula for the calculation of a residential water cost index and publish a report,” Comrie said on the floor, emphasizing the bill is meant to illuminate costs rather than to usurp local authority.

Senator Martins raised jurisdictional and implementation concerns for municipalities, villages and water districts that do not fall under the PSC’s usual regulatory authority. “The Public Service Commission simply doesn't have the authority to manage and oversee municipal utilities,” Martins said, arguing many local districts are unprepared to supply the information or to enter a regulatory relationship with the PSC.

Comrie responded that the bill is intended to be “de minimis” in cost for municipalities because the PSC would conduct the work and that it would not strip local autonomy. Supporters said the index would help consumers and policymakers compare costs; critics said the Legislature should consult municipal water districts and villages before imposing reporting expectations.

The Secretary announced the final result as 52 Ayes and 5 Nays; the bill was recorded as passed and takes effect immediately, according to the reading on the floor.