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Council hears testimony on utility advocate expansion and bills to combat crypto and tourist scams
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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 represents city residents in rate-case proceedings before the Public Service Commission to press for affordability and shutoff protections.
Sam Levine of DCWP and MOCEJ officials endorsed the intent to hold private utilities accountable but stressed resource needs. MOCEJ said its fiscal impact statement calls for four additional staff to carry out the expanded role and estimated ongoing operations costs; the mayor’s office said it is in the process of appointing a public utility advocate.
The committee also considered Intro 286, which would require DCWP to develop ongoing outreach and education on cryptocurrency and digital asset scams, and Intro 847, which would require targeted multilingual materials and real-time reporting tools for tourists (noting preparations for the 2026 World Cup). DCWP said it currently lacks deep crypto policy expertise but can develop outreach capabilities and coordinate with state regulators and criminal enforcement where appropriate.
Council members and witnesses discussed mechanics: how the city would participate in rate cases, how it could push for stronger shutoff protections, and how to reach tourists who may file complaints and then leave the city. MOCEJ cited past successes in rate cases — for example, advocating for limits on shutoffs during heat waves — and described the office’s role in pressing utilities on reliability and resiliency investments.
No votes were taken. Committee members requested further details on staffing, fiscal impact and implementation plans for each intro and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement.
