Public Service Department
skip breadcrumbs| Category | Available 2008-09 |
Appropriations Recommended 2009-10 |
Change From 2008-09 |
Reappropriations Recommended 2009-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Operations | 85,094,000 | 82,408,000 | -2,686,000 | 0 |
| Aid To Localities | 550,000 | 550,000 | 0 | 3,589,000 |
| Total | 85,644,000 | 82,958,000 | -2,686,000 | 3,589,000 |
| Program | 2008-09 Estimated FTEs 03/31/09 |
2009-10 Estimated FTEs 03/31/10 |
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 | 450 | 20 |
| Total | 540 | 560 | 20 |
Note: Most recent estimates as of 12/16/08.
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 $83.0 million All Funds ($81.1 million Special Revenue Funds; $1.8 million Federal funds) for the Department of Public Service. This is a decrease of $2.7 million ($2.7 million Special Revenue Funds) from the 2008-09 budget. This change primarily reflects the recurring impact of across the board reductions implemented in 2008-09, partially offset by the addition of new staffing. The Department will have an estimated workforce of 560 for 2009-10, a recommended increase of 20 from the 2008-09 budget, to support high priority programs, including consumer protection, ensuring reasonable rates and reliable service, and enhancing the State’s energy efficiency programs.
The Department’s 2009-10 operating budget includes funding of $80.6 million from utility and cable assessments. Public utility assessments are based on a utility’s gross intrastate operating revenues above $500,000. 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.
2009-10 Executive Budget — Agency Presentation
Public Service Department (PDF)