Allows parties in rate proceedings to seek severance of substantive issues from settlement discussions.

This bill amends the public service law to allow any party in a rate proceeding to request the severance of any substantive issue discussed in their direct testimony from the settlement process or joint proposal. A substantive issue is defined as one containing allegations of facts or law that could be developed through the litigation process. Parties can file motions to sever issues within ten days after the last permitted date for filing reply testimony. The administrative law judge must rule on the motion within fifteen days.

Allows parties in rate proceedings to seek severance of substantive issues from settlement discussions.

This bill amends the public service law to allow any party in a rate proceeding to request the severance of any substantive issue discussed in their direct testimony from the settlement process or joint proposal. A substantive issue is defined as one containing allegations of facts or law that could be developed through the litigation process. Parties can file motions to sever issues within ten days after the last permitted date for filing reply testimony. The administrative law judge must rule on the motion within fifteen days.