BUFFALO, N.Y. — There is a bill on Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk that could help taxpayers pay less for utilities.
The bill would allow groups that represent ratepayers the ability to get reimbursed for legal fees including the costs of experts and consultants.
Non-profit utility companies are already allowed to charge customers for those legal expenses. In the last legal proceedings, National Grid racked up over $3 million in legal fees. Those costs were passed down to customers.
Public Utility Law Project who represents low income customers wants to even the playing field.
"If intervenor funding were to be approved in New York State it would give groups like us a huge opportunity to be able get some of our costs and expenses recovered so that we can actually put more resources into the work that we do. PULP, our organization, sits at the table for every major rate case in New York State so when national grid wants to increase rates on utility customers we actually get involved as a party," Laurie Wheelock of the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) said.
Hochul must decide whether to sign or veto the bill by the end of this year.
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying a bill call Public Utility Law Project at 877- 669-2572.