The LIPA Public Power Bill is Introduced in the Assembly

On January 24, 2024, Assemblymembers Fred Thiele, Jr., Michaelle C. Solages, Philip Ramos, and Jodi Giglio introduced the LIPA Public Power bill (A-8894). It has been cosponsored by Khaleel Anderson and Tayor Darling. It "facilitate[s the] transition of the Long Island Power Authority into a full public power model through modifications of its authority to manage, operate and control utility operations in its service area as well as to modify its statutory, fiduciary, financial and related obligations.

The Board of Trustees will be expanded to 13 residents within the LIPA service area.

• 2 will be appointed by the governor with one designated as the chair
• 2 will be appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate after consultation with the state Senator(s) representing the LIPA service area
• 2 will be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly after consultation with the state Assembly Member(s) representing the LIPA service area
• 2 will be appointed by the Nassau County Executive with the consent of the Nassau County Legislature
• 2 will be appointed by the Suffolk County Executive with the consent of the Suffolk County Legislature
• 1 will be appointed by the Mayor of the City of New York upon the recommendation of the Queens Borough President
• 1 will be the LIPA Community Stakeholder Board  Chair
• 1 will be the business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1049 representing the union employees of LIPS (trustee thirteen)

A new component is the establishment of a Community Stakeholder Board (CSB) that will have more power and authority than the current Community Advisory Board (CAB). It is a 26-member committee designed to supplement the expertise and experience of the Board of Trustees to promote ratepayer involvement and ensure balanced representation from its service area. Members must reside within the LIPA service territory and be from diverse sectors and backgrounds.

The CSB shall:

• Review and assess LIPA's and Board of Trustees' operational plans;
• Consult DPS-LI to set appropriate metrics for monitoring LIPA;
• Assist the LIPA and Board of Trustees in engaging ratepayers in discussions of the operation plans and revisions;
• Provide an assessment to LIPA and the Board of Trustees of the adequacy of financial policies and the sufficiency of them to support implementation of the adopted strategic plan;
• Review changes to LIPA's rates and provide an opinion on the adequacy and prudence of such rate changes;
• Work closely with LIPA staff to propose a biennial work program, which may focus on issues including, but not limited to, financial policies, cost allocation, rate design, operational efficiency, issues requested by LIPA, and issues the CSB believes LIPA should consider;
• Provide LIPA and Board of Trustees with analyses and recommendations on significant elements of the operational plans

Read the full LIPA Public Power bill (A-8894) here.