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PULP E-Newsletter
Below is the latest PULP E-mail Newsletter. At the bottom of the page is a chronological listing or prior Newsletters.
PULP E-Mail News
The Public Utility Law Project
Electronic Newsletter
March 5, 2010
PSC and DHCR Stonewalling on FOIL Requests Regarding Conversion of Electrically Heated Subsidized Housing Oceangate Project to Submetering
The North Bay Tenants Association filed a petition in January 2010 with the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) seeking to halt the conversion of Starrett's Oceangate Project from master metering of electricity to submetering. The premises are electrically heated. In the Roosevelt Island case and the Yonkers Riverview II case, the PSC reconsidered its prior orders allowing submetering in part because it was unaware that the premises to be submetered were electrically heated. The March 8, 2007 PSC Order approving Starrett's submetering application does not address the impact upon tenants of shifting to them the cost of electric heat. On behalf of the Tenants Association, PULP filed a Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) request with the PSC on November 18, 2009, but the PSC has not responded. Similarly, The State Division of Housing and Community Renewal also not been responded to a related FOIL request submitted in December 2009.
MORE --http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/03/psc-and-dhcr-stonewalling-on-foil.html
New York PSC Allows Owners to Give Defective Notice of Submetering Applications, Thwarting Tenant Participation in Conversions to Submetering
In numerous cases involving submetering, tenants learn far too late that the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) approved a plan for submetering that will increase their economic burdens despite the tenants' good faith efforts to conserve electricity usage in their apartments. Under the PSC submetering regulations, a landlord seeking to convert from master metered electricity to a submetering system seemingly is required to notify tenants of the opportunity to comment to the PSC on the merits of the application, before the PSC acts on it. Although it might appear that the PSC submetering regime invites tenant participation and that tenants are heard before action is taken on a submetering proposal that affects their monthly bills, in practice the "invitation to comment" is nothing more than meaningless window dressing to make it seem the PSC's submetering regime is fair and balanced when it is not. In none of the numerous submetering cases PULP has seen has the owner actually provided notice to the tenants containing a timely "invitation to comment to the commission." In 2003, the PSC issued an order considering a failure of a landlord to notify tenants of any "invitation to comment" on the application for waiver of the prohibition against submetering. The owner simply gave the contact information for the PSC. The agency found that the landlord ”substantially complied” with the requirements because the tenant notice contained the PSC’s address and phone number, “which complies with the intent of the regulations.” Thus, the provision in the PSC regulation for landlords to invite tenant participation and comment to the PSC on a submetering conversion proposal before it is acted upon is unenforced and is disregarded by owners. In one case where tenants did contact the PSC and asked for a copy of the pending application filed by the landlord, it was weeks later when the PSC finally mailed them a copy of the owner's application on the day after it had been approved at a PSC session.
MORE --http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/03/psc-allows-owners-to-give-defective.html
Does A Submetering Tax Dodge Give Landlords Incentive to Set Low Utility Allowances and Displace Tenants in Federally Subsidized Housing?
In a recent case involving conversion of a federal Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) subsidized Section 236 housing project from master metering of electricity to submetering, the landlord implemented a significantly lower schedule of utility allowances than it had initially proposed. The New York State Public Service Commission Order in the case found a mismatch between actual electricity costs and the utility allowances: "the average monthly electric bill . . . was 16.4% higher than the utility allowance." As a result, tenants must pay the difference and their total payments for rent and utilities may be significantly above 30% of their income. Under HUD guidelines for setting rents, owners submit and certify a budget for the future expenses and revenues of the building, and rents are increased to meet rising costs and balance the project budget. The actual electric utility bill paid by the landlord for the master metered service to the entire building, is considered an expense under HUD guidelines for calculating the project budget and determining rents. But it appears that the actual revenue received by the owner from the submetered tenants to pay their share of the total building electric bill may not be disclosed or considered in the rent setting process. It may be that in estimating revenue from all the tenants, the owner can omit actual revenue from the resale of electricity and simply add the utility allowance to the rent, and use that as the projected revenue from tenants. Thus, in situations where the utility allowances are significantly lower than the actual electric service charges paid to the owner by tenants, the difference between the amount actually collected and the utility allowance may not be reported as project revenue for purposes of future rent calculations. federal tax ruling allows the owner not to treat the revenue from the resale of electricity as income, and instead treats it as a pass-through from the tenant to the utility with no tax consequences for the owner. This may give the landlord a very strong incentive to propose a low utility allowance that is much less than the actual amount of charges collected from tenants for submetered electricity.
MORE --http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/03/does-submetering-tax-dodge-give.html
The Cure for Verizon’s Service Quality Woes? Change the Way the Standards Are Measured
As PULP reported on February 22nd, Verizon has proposed a solution to its continuing trend of poor service quality: change the standards. When Verizon is unable to access necessary facilities in order to complete a repair (due to the customer or the property owner denying access) and when the customer requests Verizon to repair a trouble not the next day, but several days later, these are counted against the company in calculating its out-of-service 24 hours and service affecting over 48 hours repair rates. The company is required to repair out-of-service conditions within 24 hours 80% of the time and service affecting situations within 48 hours 80% of the time. Verizon wants these situations to be removed from its calculations. The New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) heeded Verizon’s request and released a notice inviting comments on Verizon’s proposals on February 24th, but PSC Staff noted that most of these proposed changes are not needed because the current standards only require 80% compliance and take situations such as those described by Verizon into consideration. PULP does not believe these changes are necessary, but does support extending the service standards to wireless and the voice services offered by the cable companies.
MORE --http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/03/cure-for-verizons-service-quality-woes.html
On a PACE to a Greener Future? Are Property Assessed Clean Energy Bonds the Solution to Weatherization and Green Jobs?
In November 2009, the New York State Legislature approved enabling legislation permitting municipalities to create their own programs to finance the installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements using Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) bonds. Through PACE, upfront costs for cost effective energy improvements would no longer be a barrier because property owners can pay for the improvements over 15 or 20 years, at a fixed interest rate, through an assessment on their property tax bill. Over a dozen states have passed enabling legislation similar to New York's. Proponents claim that PACE bonds will assist municipalities in achieving statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, reduce greenhouse emissions, advance a clean energy economy, save residents money on their energy usage, and create “green” jobs - all without raising state and local taxes. The money to pay for the energy efficiency measures comes from federal grants or federal credit support. In February 2010, the Albany County Legislature took advantage of the state’s legislation and approved its own PACE grant program. The steps to implement the program will now be designed by the County Executive. In a short period of time, PACE bonds have become a popular vehicle for achieving energy conservation, weatherization, and green jobs. However, with better energy efficiency measures being developed all the time, will a prospective home purchaser want to incur the additional property tax assessment for an “improvement” by the current owner which was state-of-the-art 10 years ago, but is considered woefully inadequate today? Also, will homeowners embrace PACE when the PACE assessment creates a lien on the property?
MORE --http://pulpnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/03/on-pace-to-greener-future-are-property.html
Prior editions of the PULP E-Mail News are available HERE
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THE PUBLIC UTILITY LAW PROJECT OF NEW YORK, INC., IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH HAS REPRESENTED THE INTERESTS OF LOW INCOME UTILITY CONSUMERS SINCE 1981, ADVANCING UNIVERSAL SERVICE, AFFORDABILITY, AND CUSTOMER PROTECTION.
CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING
2010
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-26-2010
Oceangate Submetering on Hold Pending PSC Review of Tenant Petition for Stay and Impact Assessment
New York Consumers Could Save $518 Per Year if Energy Efficiency Policies are Adopted
NY Assembly Passes Bill Limiting Ex Parte Communications in PSC Adjudicatory Proceedings
KeySpan Agrees to $12 Million Settlement of DOJ Antitrust Claims it Manipulated NYISO Electric Capacity Market Prices
FCC Consumer Survey Supports PULP's Findings That Affordability Is Key Factor in Broadband Deployment
Verizon Service Quality Continues to Lag; Company Proposes Solution
FCC Releases Less-than-Useful Broadband Deployment Data
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-19-2010
Town House West Tenants Seek PSC Ruling to Clarify Tax Issues in Setting Rates for Submetered Electric Service
Water Shutoff Issues Boil Over in Syracuse
PULP Expresses Concerns with State HEAP Program, Proposes Improvements, Transparency and Public Scrutiny of Utility Vendor Agreements
Nebraska Supreme Court: State Can Assess 911 Fee on TracFone Wireless Services
Who Will Benefit from Federal Subsidy of Nuclear Power Renaissance?
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-12-2010
PSC Sets Schedule for Consideration of Oceangate Tenants' Petition to Halt Submetering
Comments to OTDA on Next Year's HEAP Plan Due February 17, 2010
Hazel Towers Tenants Ask PSC Again for Stay and Outside Audit of Submetering After New Overcharges
Has the New York PSC Found a Way to Assess Wireless Providers?
ESCO Claims Locking in its 28% Higher Rate is "Smart" and "Practical"
Austin, Texas Automatically Enrolls Low-Income Customers for Reduced Utility Rates
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-05-2010
PSC Sued By Landlord Over Stay of Electric Submetering at Manhattan Apartment Buildings
The Untaxed NYISO "Virtual" Market
FCC Clarifies Lifeline Eligibility and Verification Rules for Wireless Providers, But Creates a Two-Tier System
PSC Tells FCC it Wants to Share Jurisdiction Over Future Network, But Does Little Now
Latest FCC Statistics Reveal Shrinking Telephone Subscribership in New York
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-29-2010
Oceangate Tenants Ask PSC and DHCR to Halt Submetering and Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment Under SEQRA
Governor Paterson Proposes Elimination of HEAP Weatherization Funding
Utility Regulatory Assessments: The Time Has Come to Include VoIP and Wireless
NYSBA Task Force on Global Warming Recommendations Pose Risks to Lower Income Consumers
TracFone Is Now New York’s Largest Telephone Lifeline Provider
FERC ALJ Finds Amaranth Trader Manipulated Natural Gas Markets
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-22-2010
New York City Closes ESCO Electric Service Sales Tax Loophole; Will Other Localities and New York State be Next?
Assurance Wireless (Virgin Mobile) Offers Wireless Lifeline in New York
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-15-2010
Auburn N.Y. Municipal Water User Opposes City's Motion to End Litigation Over Constitutionality of Termination and Denial Practices
NYSERDA Proposes to Revise Allocation of $301.6 Million RGGI Proceeds
PSC Creates New Office of Consumer Policy
Activist Supreme Court Reaches Out to Limit Consumer Objections to Wholesale Power Rates
Report: Verizon to Double FiOS Early Termination Fee
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-08-2010
Court Seeks Comment on Proposal to Use Con Ed Customer Money and RGGI Funds to Settle Lawsuit Claiming RGGI "Cap and Trade" Scheme is Illegal
Importance of Continued, Affordable Energy Underscored by Detroit Fire Deaths After Electricity Shutoff
Cable VoIP Phone Providers to Start Collecting E-911 Surcharge
Senators Casey and Specter Ask FERC to Scrutinize Wholesale Electricity Prices as Pennsylvania's Retail Price Caps Disappear
Vulnerability of "Smart Meters" to Malicious Computer Hacking
FCC: Verizon Service Quality Worse Than Other Regional Bells
Two New York Groups Receive Stimulus Funding for Broadband Projects; PULP Awaits the Fate of its Proposal
2009
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-18-2009
AARP Calls for Reform of NYISO and Its Electricity Spot Markets
Tiffany Mews Tenants Respond to Landlord's Defense of Electricity Submetering
GAO Report: Nowhere to Turn - FCC Not Protecting Wireless Consumers, While New York PSC Abstains
PSC Modifies Final Disconnect Notice Requirements for Verizon’s Customers
New FCC Telephone Subscribership Statistics Reveal Shortcomings in New York
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-11-2009
New York City Approves Plan for More Submetering
ESCOs Propose to "Educate" Central Hudson Customers with $500,000 Postcards Touting Utility Choice
Iberdrola USA Names Former NYISO CEO to be President of NYSEG/RG&E
California Senate Leader Blocks Reconfirmation of Pro Deregulation Utility Commissioner Supported by Verizon and AT&T
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-04-09
NYISO Tenth Anniversary Marked by High Prices and High Costs
Auburn Tenant Seeks Judgment that Water Termination was Unconstitutional
Niagara Mohawk dba National Grid Seeks Continued Secrecy on Cost of Its "Smart Grid" Proposals
Post Standard Calls for Openness on Cost of Plans for "Smart Meters" and "Smart Grid" Projects
Utilities Ask PSC to Keep Data on ESCOs Secret
FERC Closes to Save Energy
PULP E-Newsletter - 11-24-2009
Private Utility Assistance Programs for New York's Low Income Customers
Will "Smart" Meters Pass The Test of Time?
Universal Telephone Service Reform Slowly Begins in New York
State High Court Upholds Decision Denying Refunds in Inmate Phone Rate Case
PULP E-Newsletter - 11-20-2009
California Report Shows Rising Number of Disconnections of Low Income Utility Customers
Hard Questions About "Green" Electricity
Vonage Agrees to $3 Million Settlement Over its Business Practices
FERC Requires Identification of Sellers in Market Abuse Case
PULP E-Newsletter - 11-13-2009
PULP "Winter Extra" Guide to HEAP Now Online
Landlord Discloses Submetering Company "AMPS" Conducted Unauthorized Time of Use Pricing Experiments on Tiffany Mews Tenants
Con Edison Seeks 16.6% Natural Gas Delivery Rate Increase from Residential Heating Customers
Riverview II Tenants Rebut Owner's Opposition to Request to Stay Submetering
NY City Maps of Con Edison Shocks and Stray Voltage Available Online
New York Deregulation Failing, Says Central Hudson Executive
Consumer Groups Call on Congress and FERC to Protect Consumers and Investigate Rising Utility Costs Due to Deregulation
FERC Asks Supreme Court to Limit Maine's Challenge to Wholesale Utility Rates in NRG Power Marketing Case
PULP E-Newsletter - 11-06-2009
Riverview II Tenants Rebut Owner’s Opposition to Request to Stay Submetering
NY City Maps of Con Edison Shocks and Stray Voltage Available Online
Consumer Groups Call on Congress and FERC to Protect Consumers and Investigate Rising Utiity Costs Due to Deregulation
New York Deregulation Failing, Says Central Hudson Executive
FERC Asks Supreme Court to Limit Main’s Challenge to Wholesale Utility Rates in NRG Power Marketing Case
PULP E-Newsletter - 10-30-2009
Hazel Towers Tenant Association Seeks Review of PSC Submetering Decision
Telephone Lifeline for Residents of Homeless Shelters
Pennsylvania Regulators Halt Expensive "Smart Meter" Plan
Consumer Uprising Against California Smart Meter Program
Virgin Mobile Latest to Offer Lifeline in New York, but Will its Customers Be Protected?
Illinois Governor Appoints Community Action Leader to Illinois Commerce Commission
Ninth Circuit: AT&T Wireless Can't Bar Class Action Suits
PULP E-Newsletter - 10-23-2009
Governor Proposes to Slash Civil Legal Services, PULP Funding
PULP Urges Assembly to Reject Governor's Proposal to Cut PULP Funding
OTDA Implements Amendment Easing Repayment Terms for Emergency Utility Assistance
Should There Be a Legal Right to Broadband? Finland Thinks So.
City Water Customers Need HEFPA Protections
PULP E-Newsletter - 10-16-2009
Past Recipients Can Mail In 2009 - 2010 HEAP Applications
Yonkers Riverview II Tenants Again Ask PSC to Halt Submetering
Ohio Governor Halts "Free" Efficient Bulb Program after Utility Customers Get Smart About "Revenue Decoupling"
NY PSC Mum on FCC Telecom Consumer Information Proceeding
Electric Car Chargers Present Regulatory and Jurisdictional Issues
PULP E-Newsletter - 10-09-2009
Florida Governor Shakes Up PSC After Ex Parte Communications via Blackberry Text Messaging
NY PSC Staff Issues Universal Service Fund Reports, Supports Need for Immediate Action
PULP E-Newsletter - 10-02-2009
Ontario Electricity Board Bans Landlord Submetering of Electricity Without Energy Audits, Transparency, and Individual, Informed Tenant Consent
OTDA Requires Suffolk County to Provide Emergency Utility Assistance
Staff Report Released after State Senate Hearing on Telecom Taxes; Acknowledges Need for Consumer Protections for Telecom Customers
PULP E-Newsletter - 09-25-2009
Value of ESCO Service Questioned
Groups Ask Governor Paterson to Support Alternative Plan for CohoesFalls Hydro Project
FERC Commissioner Kelly Quitting
PULP Updates Telephone Consumer Protection Materials
PULP E-Newsletter - 09-18-2009
PSC Stops Submetering at Four Buildings, Sets New Standards to Address Tenant Concerns
PSC Launches Proceeding to Examine Future of Universal Telephone Service
NYSEG, RG&E File New Rates for Electric and Gas Service Seeking Major Increases, Proposing Improved Low Income Customer Protections
Niagara Mohawk Withdraws Request to Delay Mobile Scanning for Stray Voltage in Upstate Cities
Updated Telephone Lifeline and Shared Meter Chapters Added to PULP’s Online Manual
PULP E-Newsletter - 09-11-2009
Lifeline Awareness Week Begins Monday - Is There Anything for New York to Celebrate?
NYISO Admits its “Market Problem” Allows 100% or More Overcharges Due to “An Abuse of Market Power,” Proposes Rule Change, No Refund
PSC Tells FCC to Permit States to Access VoIP for State Universal Service Funds
Niagara Mohawk Allowed to Keep Cost of “Smart Grid” Proposal Secret
PULP E-Newsletter - 09-04-2009
N.Y. Times Perpetuates Myth Supporting Unjust Submetering Regime
Town House West Tenants Association Files Supplemental Complaint Against Stellar Management’s New Unfiled Conditions of Submetered Electric Service
PSC Once Again Tells FCC To Market Take Lead On Broadband While the Market Continues to Fail Customers
NYPA Holding Hearings on Reduced Hydropower Allocation for Residential Customers
Last Year’s Spiking Natural Gas and Electric Pricing
FCC Considering New Customer Information Rules
PULP E-Newsletter - 08-28-2009
Verizon Service Quality Performance Lags
HazelTowers Tenants to Receive $20,000 Credits of Landlord's Overcharges for Submetered Electric Service
Townhouse West Tenants Win Three-Month Reprieve from Submetering Charges
Elected Officials Voice Concern to PSC and NYSERDA Over Submetering of Former Mitchell Lama Projects
PULP E-Newsletter - 08-21-2009
HazelTowers Tenants File Reply to Owner's Request to Dismiss Petition Seeking to Halt Submetering
Niagara Mohawk Must Divulge Cost Data Regarding Proposed "Smart Grid - Smart Meter" Projects
Yonkers Tenants Win Reprieve from Eviction While Fighting Landlord's Electric Bills
PULP Applies to NTIA for Stimulus Funds to Expand Broadband Opportunities for Low and Fixed Income Consumers
PULP E-Newsletter - 08-14-2009
PULP Testifies at State Senate Hearing on Telecom Taxes
New FCC Telephone Penetration Statistics Reveal Problems in New York
Second Circuit Requires Further Consideration of Cohoes Falls Options
Draft State Energy Plan Issued
PULP E-Newsletter - 08-07-2009
Are Utilities Overreaching and Terminating Service to Collect Old Bills After Welfare Payments are Received?
Tenants Struggle to Maintain Utility Service in Owner-Abandoned Building in Foreclosure
PSC to Revisit Telecom Universal Service Policies
Lifeline Awareness Week Coming in September; Will it Make a Difference?
PULP E-Newsletter - 07-31-2009
PSC Finds No Evidence of Delay in Handling Hazel Towers Tenant Complaints Regarding Submetering
Tiffany Mews Tenants Ask PSC to Halt Submetering with No Proper Order and No Filed Tariff or Contracts Approved by the PSC
Submeterer Can't Evict for Unpaid Electric Bills; Asks PSC to Revise Order to Allow Service Termination
FCC’S Inspector General Withdraws Finding That All Low Income USF Payments Were Erroneous
PULP E-Newsletter - 07-24-2009
Parker Tower Tenants Still Waiting for PSC Action on Petition to Stay Submetering
More Manhattan and Bronx Tenants Ask PSC to Halt Submetering
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Says FCC has been “Beholden” to the Telecom Industry it is Charged to Regulate.
PULP E-Newsletter - 07-17-2009
Powerless: Low Income Households Facing Termination of Service with No Remedies
Out of the Loop: FERC Finds No Gaming, No Manipulation, and No Remedy in Lake Erie Loop Flow Case
Report Highlights Costs and Consumer Burdens from "Cap and Trade" Greenhouse Gas Programs
Inadequate Attention to Impact of Renewables Mandates on Low Income Customers
PULP E-Newsletter - 07-10-2009
PSC Continues Stay of Submetering at Four Former Mitchell-Lama Projects
Rent Reductions in Submetered Buildings
Why is Submetering Attractive to Apartment Owners?
Test Your Internet Speed at CWA Website and Compare it with Other Countries
New Leadership Brings Needed Changes to FCC and National Broadband Policy
Time to Apply for Broadband Grants Has Arrived
PULP E-Newsletter - 07-02-2009
PSC Rips HEFPA Safety Net for Utility Applicants with Arrears from a Prior Period of Service
NYISO Needs State "Visitation"-
PSC Implements 2% Assessment on Energy Utilities; Rebuffs PULP’s Request to Protect Low Income Customers
PULP E-Newsletter - 06-26-2009
PSC Signals Shift in Landlord Subsidies to Implement Submetering
Stimulus Funds for New York Can Be Used for Utility Assistance to Prevent Homelessness
$128 Million of RGGI "Cap and Trade" Revenue Unspent Due to Legal Challenge
FERC's Advice: Avoid Our Deregulated ISO/RTO Spot Markets
NY Rolls out 511 Service with Travel and Transit Data; Not All Phones Can Access the Service
PULP E-Newsletter - 06-19-2009
Assembly Passes Bill to Correct Diversion of Complaints Regarding Submetered Electric Service
PSC Seeks Comments on Petition of Hazel Towers Tenants to Halt Submetering
PSC’s Market Ideology Clashes with Goals of Affordable Universal Broadband Service
Home Broadband Adoption Stood at 63% of Adult Americans as of April 2009; Low Income Families Still Far Behind
AARP Opposes PEPCO Plan for Spending on "Smart Meters"
PSC Acknowledges 315 Area Code Change is Not Needed; Doesn’t Provide Complete Explanation
Update on Lack of Lifeline Information at the PSC Website
PULP E-Newsletter - 06-12-2009
Study Finds High Profits for New York's Electric Power Generators
PSC to FCC: We Oppose Measures to Effectuate Universal Affordable Broadband Service
South Carolina Finds Cable Phone Service to Be a Telecom Service; What about NY PSC?
GAO Report Supports Broadband Stimulus Goals, Coordination Needed
DTV Day Is Here - Transition From Analog to Digital TV Happens Today
PULP E-Newsletter - 06-05-2009
With HEAP Closed, More Electric and Gas Customers Facing Termination
The Broadband News Is In, but it Isn’t All Good
Low Income Telephone Lifeline Assistance Reaches Fewer than 300,000 New Yorkers, Lowest in 20 Years
New York's Household Telephone Penetration Holds Steady, Remains Low
PSC Pulls Lifeline Tariff Language from Non-Lifeline Providers
PULP E-Newsletter - 05-29-2009
"Cap and Trade" Market System for CO2 Reduction Likely to Raise New York Electricity Prices
PULP Analyzes DHCR Submetering Rent Adjustments
Federal Court Invalidates AT&T “Class Action Waiver” in Wireless Contract Boilerplate
US Needs to Improve Internet Access to Job Training
Two Weeks Remain Until DTV Transition
PULP E-Newsletter - 05-22-2009
Submetering Summit
All NY Phone Customers Lose Big $$ Due to PSC Lifeline Policies
PSC Approves Increase for Niagara Mohawk Gas Customers; Defers Consideration of Affordability for Low Income Customers
PULP E-Newsletter - 05-15-2009
New York HEAP Program Closes Today
PULP Comments on PSC Proposals to Implement 2% Utility Assessment
Submetering Challenged at Claremont Gardens in Ossining
Audit Finds NYISO's Private "Market Monitor" System Lacks Sufficient Independence
FCC Acts to Protect VoIP Customers from Providers Going out of Business
Campaign for Fair Electric Rates Launches Video Explaining Need for Reform of Wholesale Electric Markets
PULP E-Newsletter - 05-11-2009
Residential Electric Submetering Summit Set for May 16th in NYC
Hazel Towers Tenants Ask PSC to Act on Submetering Complaints
Submetered Yonkers Tenants Show How PSC Order Allowed Landlord to Shift Million Dollar Electric Bill to Low Income Tenants
The Time Is Now - New York Should Begin Requiring VoIP Providers to Support State Universal Service
Verizon Wireless Is Latest Provider to Offer Lifeline Discount Telephone Service in NY
20% of Americans Have Cut the Cord, Now Relying Only on Wireless Telephones
PULP E-Newsletter - 05-01-2009
New York's HEAP Program Closes May 15
PULP Submits New Evidence to PSC Showing No Need for Area Code Changes Now in Central NY 315 Area
New York Electricity Prices are Fourth Highest in Nation
"Smart" Metering Questioned
PULP E-Newsletter - 04-24-2009
Parker Towers Residents Petition PSC to Vacate Prior Submetering Order
Verizon Proposes $1.95/Month Rate Increase; Spares Lifeline Customers
PSC Launches Seven Low Income Conferences as Utility Shutoffs Soar
PULP E-Newsletter - 04-17-2009
Bill Would Bar Landlords from Deeming Charges for Submetered Electric Service to be "Additional Rent"
Success Is a Relative Term for National Grid’s “Affordability Program”
PSC Tells FCC Low Broadband Speeds Are OK for New York’s Unserved and Underserved Areas
FCC Grants TracFone Waiver of DTV Consumer Education Requirement
PULP E- Newsletter - 04-10-2009
PSC Reports on Devastating Termination Statistics
Yonkers Tenants Ask PSC to Halt Submetering at Riverview Towers
A Year Passes with No PSC Decision on Submetered Tenant Complaints of HEFPA Violations and Overcharges
Bill Would Require PSC to More Closely Scrutinize Area Code Changes
More Questions for the NYISO
Time for the PSC to Reconsider its Policy of Volatile Pricing of Natural Gas
2-1-1 Service to Be Launched in Greater Capital Region
PULP E-Newsletter - 04-03-2009
Data Discredits NYISO and PSC Defense of Spot Market Rate Demands; 12% of Bids Exceed $900
PSC Files Comments with FCC on Federal Rural Broadband Strategy, Forgets Affordability Issue for Low-Income Households
Much $$ for Energy Efficiency Included in Stimulus Package
PULP E-Newsletter - 03-27-2009
Noted Economist Amartya Sen Urges Stimulus Focus on Poor; New York State Poverty Rate Hits 14%
Under HEFPA, the New York PSC Must Decide Complaints of Submetered Customers
PSC Asked to Reconsider Its Approval of Four Years of Submetering by a Landlord Without an Order Waiving the Prohibition Against Resale of Electricity
PULP Launches Lifeline Discount Telephone Service Comparison Chart
Wellinghoff Designated Chairman of FERC by President Obama
Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program Waiting List Cleared
PULP E-Newsletter - 03-20-2009
Governor's Proposed 2% PSC “Assessment” on Utility Bills Favors Some Energy and Telecom Service Providers
PULP Urges PSC to Require Submetering Landlords to Accept HEAP and Utility Assistance
PULP Submits More Evidence to PSC Showing that a New Area Code in 315 Region is Unnecessary
ESCOs Cost More -- A Familiar Experience
Telephone Subscribership in NY Trails Other States
TracFone Launches “Safelink” Wireless Lifeline Service in New York
PULP E-Newsletter - 03-13-2009
Groups Reply to PSC and Niagara Mohawk Defense of Gas Rate Case Settlement Proposal
Submetering Landlords Clamor for More PSC Deregulation of Electric Service
Did Court Challenge to Legislatively Unauthorized Greenhouse Gas Allowance Scheme Prompt Governor’s Concession to Power Plant Owners?
Co2 Cap and Trade Programs Inflate Electric Rates in Restructured States
New York State Poverty Rate Hits 14%
President Obama Gets His First FERC Pick To Replace Kelliher
12.8% of New York Households Are Now Wireless-Only.
PULP E-Newsletter - 03-06-2009
Niagara Mohawk Gas Rate Proposal Fails to Address Low Income Customer Energy Burdens and Terminations
Governor's Budget Bill Would Gut HEFPA Shared Meter Protections for Tenants in Two and Three-Family Dwellings
Governor’s Budget Bills Would Allow PSC to Do More Utility Deregulation
Assembly Committees Hold Hearing to Discuss NYISO Practices and High Electric Prices
Wait List for DTV Converter Box Coupons Begins to Ease
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-27-2009
PULP Files Comments on PSC Proposal to Relax Submetering Rules
New York State Assembly Committees to Hold Hearings on NYISO Wholesale Electricity Pricing
PSC Asked to Offset its $330M Efficiency Surcharges with $220M from Sale of Greenhouse Gas Allowances
Nebraska Energy Office Shows New York Electricity Prices Highest in Continental U.S.
Judge Who Issued Gag Order Against PULP in Utility Service Denial Case Resigns in Disgrace
NTIA to Hold Meetings on How to Use Broadband Stimulus Money
How to Dial Your Rotary Phone
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-20-2009
Bronx Tenant Association Objects to PSC Staff Proposal to "Streamline" Electric Submetering Rules
PULP Comments on Next Year’s HEAP Plan Design
FERC Effort to OverrideState Transmission Siting Decisions Rejected by Federal Appeals Court
New York Weatherization Funding Bolstered by Federal Stimulus Bill
DTV Converter Box Installation Instructions
PULP E-Newsletter - 02-13-2009
Submetering Slowed at Roosevelt Island
When Is Lifeline Not Lifeline?
PULP Winter Extra Guide to HEAP and Energy Assistance Online
PSC Opens Another Con Edison Prudence Proceeding to Assess Rate Impact of Alleged Crimes
PULP Utility Law Manual Update
Unemployment, Utility Terminations Rising
PULP E-Newletter - 02-06-2009
No Emergency HEAP for Fuel Customers with Automatic Delivery
NRC Holding Hearings on Application for New Nuclear Power Plant in Upstate New York
DTV Transition Delay Approved by Congress, Obama’s Signature Is Expected
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-30-2009
Slow Processing of Applications for HEAP Benefits; OTDA Receiving Comments on New Year’s HEAP Program
Public Interest Coalition Urges Transparency in Selection Process for PSC Commissioners
Obama Names New Leaders of FERC and FCC, on an Interim Basis
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-23-2009
More New PSC Commissioners Coming Soon?
Compare O & R Bills with PULP’s Electric Bill Estimator
Study: Including Broadband in Obama’s Stimulus Package is Good, But Non-Broadband User’s Can’t Afford It.
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-16-2009
ESCO Tax Subsidies: A Hidden High Cost of the New York PSC's "Retail Access" Scheme
Niagara Mohawk's "Self-Imposed Moratorium" on Winter and Cold Weather Terminations of Service
PSC Authorizes Millions for Submetering Projects Violating Residential Tenants’ Rights
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-09-2009
Static! More Stumbles in DTV Transition Convince Obama to Urge Delay
FERC Chairman Kelliher Resigns; Who Will President Obama Pick?
Congresswoman McCarthy Introduces Bill to Help Middle Income Households With Utility Bills
Governor Paterson Announces Energy Agenda in "State of the State" Message: More Efficiency, More Renewables
PULP E-Newsletter - 01-05-2009
Governor Paterson's Financial Request to Obama Administration Weak and Vague on Low Income, Energy, and Telecom Proposals
PSC Touts "Arrearage Reduction" Proposals Favoring Utilities: Nothing New for Customers
Submetering Technical Conference Postponed to January
PULP Holiday Appeal
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-23-2008
Governor Paterson's 2009 Message to New York’s Poorest: Let Them Eat Pheasant
300,000 Homes Without Power - Was Inadequate Tree Trimming a Factor?
Pennsylvania Orders Verizon to Offer Discounted Bundles to Lifeline Customers; Where Is New York?
PULP Holiday Appeal
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-19-2008
Governor’s Budget Raises Utility "Assessments," Hurting Low Income Customers, but Continues Break to Cable Telephone Service Providers
Broadband Lifeline for Low Income Households: Why Is the New York PSC Silent?
PSC Lets Another One Slip By: Long Distance Provider Changes Hands Without Notifying Commission
Congress Approves DTV Transition Notification Bill
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-15-2008
ALJ Recommends “Overlay” Telephone Area Code Requiring 11 Digit Dialing Despite Plentiful Numbers and Exchange Codes in Central New York’s 315 Area
PSC Takes its Time(Again) While Telecom Universal Service Programs Sag
PSC Schedules Technical Conference on Electricity Submetering Issues
Buffet Asked New York State PSC to Approve Acquisition of Three New York Nuclear Power Stations; Takeover of Constellation Questioned at FERC
PULP E-Newsletter - 12-5-2008
Unmanned HEAP Hotline Fails in Serving Blind People
OTDA Eases its Administrative Restriction on Assistance to Utility Customers with Incomes Above the Public Assistance Level.
PSC to Hold Technical Conference on Electricity Submetering Issues
PULP E-Newsletter - 11-26-2008
PULP Thanksgiving Appeal
Major Job Losses and Rise in Poverty Rate Forecast
PULP Challenges PSC’s ESCO Orders
HEAP Eligibility and Benefit Changes
Obama Picks Transition Team for DOE, FERC
PULP E-News - 11-21-2008
SNAFU in OTDA's Administration of the HEAP Program; State Tells Suffolk County to Handle Energy Emergencies
National Grid’s Grand Plan Continues; Still No Action from PSC
HEAP Eligibility and Benefit Changes Rumored
Excelsior! NY Achieves Highest Electric Rates in the Continental United States
Schumer: Upstate NY Remains Unprepared for DTV Switch
PULP E-News - 11-14-2008
Low Income Central Hudson Customers to Receive $1.9 Million Winter Bill Credits
PSC Refuses to Investigate Utility’s Brazen Violation of HEFPA
PULP, Legal Aid, Homeless Advocacy Groups Targeted by Governor for $2.8 Million Cut
Close the Energy Sales Tax Loophole Favoring ESCOs
Pennsylvania Utility Regulator Holds Hearings on Flaws in Wholesale Power Markets
CLECs Lose Certificates to Offer Service for Not Submitting Tariffs, Why Not ESCOs?
PULP E-News - 11-07-2008
Lax Enforcement of PSC Submetering Orders Allows Landlords to Overcharge for Electricity Sold to Tenants and to Circumvent HEFPA Protections
PSC Hears Public Opposition to National Grid’s Proposed 33% Natural Gas Delivery Rate Increase
Will President Obama Repurpose FERC?
PULP E-News - 10-31-2008
Testimony in National Grid Natural Gas Rate Case Urges Low Income Rates and Reform of Utility Termination Practices
HEAP Season Opens Monday
PSC Votes to Continue Retail Access Programs Promoting ESCO Service
PSC Issues ESCO Marketing Order
315 Area Code Number Exhaust Pushed Back Another Year: No Need to Add New Area Code Now
PULP Manual Update: New York Social Services Law §131-s, The Emergency Utility Payment Program
PULP E-News - 10-24-2008
State Mum on Use of Additional HEAP Funds
Lehman Bankruptcy Affects NYISO Markets and Constellation Nuclear Plants
FCC Expands E-911 Access Requirements to VoIP Providers
PULP E-News - 10-17-2008
PSC-Approved Utility Collection Practices Render Family Homeless
PSC Expresses Concern for Utility Welfare
PSC Halts 315 Area Code Changes For Now, But Denies PULP Petition for More
Aggressive Telephone Number Conservation and Reclamation
Municipality Restores Water Service After PULP Files Federal Lawsuit and Seeks
Preliminary Injunction for Tenant in Property Subject to Foreclosure
PULP E-News - 10-10-2008
PSC Typical Electrical Bills Show Trend of Higher Prices and Volatility
PSC Policies Foster Increase in Utility Service Terminations as a Collection Tactic
No Electricity: Middletown Residents in Critical Condition from Lantern Fire
PULP E-News - 10-03-2008
Bush signs LIHEAP Funding Increase - Public Input Needed on How it will Allocate in NY
Municipal Water Co. Exempt from HEFPA Must Still Provide Due Process &
Equal Protection to Tenant Users
Governor Paterson Vetoes Utility Call Center Bill
Conflict Data on Natural Gas Price Trends
Greater Broadband Access Approved by Congress
PULP E-News - 09-26-2008
State Utility Assistance is Not a "One-Shot Deal"
House Bill Would Increase LIHEAP Funds: Will New York Use Them to Reform Its HEAP Program?
Governor Paterson Vetoes LIPA Rate Regulation Bill
Winter Heating Assistance Available for Households Using Oil and Other Non-Utility
Heating Fuels
Where's the 911 Service? Wireless Phone Bill Surcharges Diverted to Other Purposes
PULP Manual Update: New York Truth in Heating Law
PULP E-News - 09-19-2008
Rockefeller Institute Reports First Drop in Welfare Spending in 25 Years
Home Heating Costs Becoming Hot Issue
PSC Rejects PULP’s Recommendations To Improve Niagara Mohawk’s Gas Interim
Energy Efficiency Proposal
PSC Seeks Proposals for Greening Projects Administrator
FCC Amends “Do-Not-Call” List Rules; Numbers to Remain Indefinitely
PULP Manual Update: The Rights of New York Heating Fuel Customers
PULP E-News - 09-12-2008
Where Are the PSC’s ESCO Marketing Rules?
PULP Manual Update: Public Assistance for Energy and Utility Costs
PULP Attorney Named to North American Telephone Numbering Council
DTV Transition Passes First Test in Wilmington, NC
PULP E-News - 09-05-2008
Pound Foolish: Cutting Regulatory Assessments
While the PSC Deliberates, Consumers Continue to be Hurt by ESCOs
PULP Manual Update: Rights of Residential Utility Customers Under the Home
Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA)
PULP E-News - 08-29-2008
PULP E-News - 08-22-2008
PULP E-News - 08-15-2008
PULP E-News - 08-08-2008
PULP E-News - 08-01-2008
PULP E-News - 07-25-2008
PULP E-News - 07-18-2008
PULP E-News - 07-11-2008
PULP E-News - 07-03-2008
PULP E-News - 06-27-2008
PULP E-News - 06-20-2008
PULP E-News - 06-13-2008
PULP E-News- 06-06-2008
PULP E-News - 05-30-2008
PULP E-News - 05-23-2008
PULP E-News - 05-16-2008
PULP E-News - 05-09-2008
PULP E-News - 05-02-2008
PULP E-News - 04-25-2008
PULP E-News - 04-18-2008
PULP E-News - 04-11-2008
PULP E-News - 04-04-2008
PULP E-News - 03-28-2008
PULP E-News - 03-21-2008
PULP E-News - 03-14-2008
PULP E-News - 03-07-2008
PULP E-News - 02-29-2008
PULP E-News - 02-22-2008
PULP E-News - 02-15-2008
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