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Council hears testimony on utility advocate expansion and bills to combat crypto and tourist scams
Summary
Witnesses described the city’s plan to expand the Office of the Utility Advocate to represent New Yorkers in state rate cases, bolster outreach and fight shutoffs. City and agency witnesses also discussed proposals to educate residents about crypto scams and provide tourist-oriented consumer protections ahead of major events.
The committee heard testimony on multiple companion measures intended to address affordability and consumer protection across utilities, digital assets and tourism.
Louise Young, New York City’s chief climate officer, told the committee that nearly 3.5 million New Yorkers have fallen behind on utility payments in the last five years and about 1.9 million have experienced service shutoffs. She said Intro 285 would strengthen the Office of the Utility Advocate, expand public education and training, and ensure the office…
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