Assemblyman Buchwald's Bill Improving Oversight of Utility Companies Passes State Senate Unanimously

“Our area experienced unacceptably long power outages in the weeks following Superstorm Sandy,” Assemblyman Buchwald said. “This bill takes steps to correct preventable mistakes to ensure a better response from utility companies in the wake of similar disasters, and I’m proud that this important measure is one step closer to becoming law.”

The Public Service Commission oversees New York’s utility companies. By tracking complaints regarding utility response times, the commission can better work to address recurring problems, improve communication and be more prepared for future natural disasters, Assemblyman Buchwald noted.

To get the bill passed in the State Senate, Buchwald teamed in a bipartisan fashion with State Senator Jack Martins (R-Long Island), whose district, like in Westchester, was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. In January of this year, Assemblyman Buchwald testified at the State Moreland Commission hearing in Westchester County on the subject of utility response, and recommended this legislation to improve oversight and communications between utility companies and customers.