Public Service Department
skip breadcrumbs| All amounts are in dollars |
| Category | Available 2007-08 |
Appropriations Recommended 2008-09 |
Change From 2007-08 |
Reappropriations Recommended 2008-09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Operations | 77,994,000 | 79,828,000 | 1,834,000 | 0 |
| Aid To Localities | 400,000 | 550,000 | 150,000 | 3,589,000 |
| Total | 78,394,000 | 80,378,000 | 1,984,000 | 3,589,000 |
| Full-Time Equivalent Positions (FTE) |
| Program | 2007-08 Estimated FTEs 03/31/08 |
2008-09 Estimated FTEs 03/31/09 |
FTE Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | |||
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 98 | 98 | 0 |
| Regulation of Utilities | |||
| Special Revenue Funds - Federal | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 430 | 430 | 0 |
| Total | 540 | 540 | 0 |
Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/22/08.
Mission
The Department of Public Service is the staff arm of the Public Service Commission, which regulates the rates and services of the State's public utilities, including electric, gas, steam, telephone and water. The Commission also oversees the siting of major electric and gas transmission lines and facilities. In addition, it ensures the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines and is responsible for oversight and regulation of the cable television industry in New York State.
Budget Highlights
The Executive Budget recommends $80.4 million All Funds ($78.7 million Special Revenue Funds; $1.7 million Other funds) for the Department of Public Service. This is an increase of $2 million ($2 million Special Revenue Funds) from the 2007-08 budget. This net change primarily reflects continued growth in personal service and related fringe benefits, and non-personal service inflationary growth. The Department will have an estimated workforce of 540 for 2008-09, the same level as in 2007-08.
The Department's 2008-09 operating budget includes funding of $78.1 million from utility and cable assessments. Public utility assessments are based on a utility's gross intrastate operating revenues above $25,000. Cable television assessments are based on revenues from those companies with 1,000 or more subscribers.
In addition, the local assistance budget provides a total of $550,000 from fees paid by entities proposing the siting of electric generation facilities. These funds can be accessed by local governments and community groups to fund intervention activities related to the siting review process.
The Department also receives Federal grants to perform pipeline safety activities.
2008-09 Executive Budget — Agency Presentation
Public Service Department (PDF)