Senate Energy committee advances a slate of utility and broadband bills; several referred for further review

ALBANY — The New York State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee advanced a number of bills on utility regulation, broadband attachments and consumer protections during its unspecified-date meeting. Several measures moved to subsequent committees or the calendar; one bill that drew extended questioning about fines and enforcement was referred to the Finance Committee.

Among the measures the committee advanced:

- Bill 980 (sponsor: Sen. Rolison): An act to amend the Public Service Law to require public hearings on increases in utility charges. The committee moved the bill; the transcript records support and a request to clear committee. The bill was referred to consumer affairs.

- Bill 2355 (sponsor: Sen. Parker): An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation to attachments to utility poles for broadband service. The bill was moved, received one recorded "no" vote, and was advanced to the calendar.

- Bill 2475 (sponsor: Sen. Parker): An act to amend the Public Service Law and Real Property Tax Law to establish tax-exemption treatment for certain energy-related public utility real property constructed to meet state clean-energy goals. Committee members questioned the scope and local-government impacts, including whether existing renewable projects would remain taxable and…