Diegnan, Van Drew Bill to Require Utilities to Charge Veterans’ Organizations at Residential Rates Clears Senate

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan and Senate Jeff Van Drew that would require a public utility to charge a veterans’ organization a residential rate for service delivered to a property that is primarily used by a veterans’ organization cleared the Senate today.

“Charging a veterans’ organization at a residential rate for electricity is a small accommodation for a group representing men and women who have given so much to our nation,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “By passing this bill, we, as a Legislature, are saying we appreciate your service to our country. Many veterans’ organizations are struggling to keep up membership, keep up the maintenance of their posts and pay bills. By doing this small thing, we are lightening that burden just a little.”

“Veterans’ organizations do so much for veterans as well as for their communities.  By charging a residential rate for veterans’ posts, we are taking a heavy weight off their shoulders that will allow them to move funds around that can be used to further help others,” said Senator Van Drew.

The bill, S-2446, would require a public utility to charge a veterans’ organization a residential rate for service delivered to the property at which the veterans’ organization primarily operates. This would apply if the residential rate is lower than the commercial rate for service at that property.

In 1998, the State of New York barred electric and gas utilities from charging veterans’ organizations for service to their posts and halls rates that are higher than residential rates.

The bill was released from the full Senate by a vote of 39-0.