Public Service Department

Agency Web Site: http://www.dps.ny.gov/

Mission

The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service is to ensure safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, at just and reasonable rates. The Department also oversees the siting of major electric and gas transmission lines and facilities, and ensures the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines. The Department seeks to stimulate innovation, strategic infrastructure investment, consumer awareness, competitive markets where feasible, and the use of resources in an efficient and environmentally sound manner.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget recommends $89.3 million for the Department, an increase of $3.7 million from the 2013-14 budget. This growth reflects an increase in funding to establish an office dedicated to the oversight of electric service on Long Island, partially offset by a decrease in local assistance funding and savings from operational and administrative efficiency initiatives.

The Executive Budget recommends a workforce of 527 employees for the Department, an increase of 4 employees from 2013-14 levels. This growth reflects the addition of 10 employees in 2014-15 for oversight of Long Island electric service pursuant to landmark legislation passed in 2013 that provides for increased oversight of utility services and rates on Long Island. These mandated staff increases are offset by the attrition of 6 employees resulting from the streamlining of certain agency operations.

Major budget actions include:

• $5.5 million in new funding for the creation of a Long Island Office to oversee electric utility service on Long Island. This enhanced oversight will ensure that Long Island electric customers receive reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates. The 10 additional employees funded in this budget will result in a total of 39 DPS employees assigned to the oversight of Long Island’s electric service.
• $850,000 in savings through the streamlining of certain agency operations,including the approval of cable franchise agreements and regulation of telecommunications service.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Briefing Book – Environment and Energy (PDF)

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/20/2014

Click for additional detailed appropriation tables