Gov sparks power play vs. utility companies

ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo is hoping to make good on his promise to pull the plug on utility companies providing inadequate service, enlisting Long Island lawmakers Wednesday to back a bill that would overhaul how power providers are penalized.

The governor has repeatedly railed against the companies in recent months, slamming them over slow responses to storm damage and the thousands of residents left in the dark following major storms.

Senate and Assembly Democrats from Suffolk and Nassau counties, some facing heated reelection battles, joined the governor in supporting legislation that would make it easier to issue penalties, cap executive compensation and enable the state to switch up utility companies.

“New Yorkers will no longer be bullied by utility companies who have long believed they are too big to fail,” Cuomo said. “The abuse of public trust by utility companies will not be tolerated in New York State. The penalty should be commensurate with the damage caused by the utility companies.”

Cuomo’s fellow Dems, including first-term Sens. Kevin Thomas and Jim Gaughran, who are fighting off Republican challengers in next week’s election, vowed to take up the legislation in January.

Gaughran, who will be the lead sponsor, applauded that the bill also requires the state Public Service Commission to study whether private water suppliers on Long Island should come under municipal control to improve water service.

“This bill will fundamentally flip the power dynamic and it will take us one step closer to a major win for the ratepayers,” he said.

“As a longtime believer that access to clean, safe drinking water is a human right ... I am thrilled that today we are taking the necessary steps forward to stop private water companies from profiting off the backs of Long Islanders.”

Noting the pain and suffering following Tropical Storm Isaias this summer, Thomas said the time for change is past due.

“For far too long, utility companies have abused the trust that ratepayers and the state have put in them, particularly here on Long Island,” he said. “In August, a superstorm ravaged the island for weeks. Thousands of New Yorkers got excuses instead of electricity.”

Cuomo said the biggest impediment to changing behavior is the cap on penalties. Under state law, the PSC can impose penalties only up to $100,000 on utility companies that violate their terms of service.