With Suez Decision, Carlucci Pushes for Dedicated Utility Consumer Advocate

(NYACK, NY) – Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester), the new Chair of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Committee issued a statement slamming the Public Service Commission for their decision to approve a modified rate hike proposed by Suez Water NY (SWNY).

Carlucci will co-sponsor and advance legislation to create a dedicated utility consumer advocate that would be an independent voice for consumers during rate hike processes like this one. 

“It is absolutely necessary to create this position so residents can have a voice when facing unscrupulous utilities looking to make profits on the backs of the consumer,” Carlucci said. “Suez’s plan to increase rates is outrageous and the PSC is absolutely wrong to give it approval; it fails local ratepayers and includes lackluster conservation measures that ignore clear community concerns.  With a utility consumer advocate, we can ensure that we keep utilities accountable.”  

More than 40 other states have an independent state agency that represents the interests of residential utility customers.  New York is by far the largest without such an independent office.  If passed, the consumer advocate would be an independent voice appearing on behalf of consumers in state and federal regulatory proceedings as well as judicial review proceedings concerning rates and conditions of public utilities. 

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