Recognizing that nonprofits in New York City were not adequately represented in energy policy and regulatory matters, Luthin Associates (acquired by 5 in 2019) formed Consumer Power Advocates (CPA) in 2002.

Who We Represent

Since its formation, CPA has tirelessly represented some of New York City's leading nonprofit institutions before a wide range of city and state agencies. Its membership includes Mount Sinai Health System, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Northwell Health, New York University, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and The Museum of Modern Art, collectively representing the interests of the city's premier healthcare, academic, and cultural organizations.

Where We Engage

Most important among these regulatory bodies is the New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC). The NYPSC regulates the distribution cost of electricity, natural gas, and steam. CPA also represents its members at other key energy regulatory bodies, including the New York Independent Service Commission (NYISO) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

What Membership Delivers

Since its formation, CPA has helped secure significant savings for its members through participation in utility rate cases, energy market reforms, special energy discounts, efficiency incentives, and other regulatory initiatives. By combining the influence of leading institutions with shared energy interests, CPA provides members with expert representation, industry intelligence, and a seat at the table where critical energy decisions are made.

For example, in the most recent Con Edison electric and natural gas rate cases, CPA, together with other intervenors, helped secure a settlement that significantly reduced the utility's proposed delivery rate increases. Illustratively, this represents approximately $500,000 in avoided annual delivery cost increases for a representative 10 MW electric customer and approximately $540,000 for a representative customer consuming 250,000 Dth of natural gas annually.

CPA also successfully represented its members in opposing a recent tariff filing made by Con Edison. Historically, in New York City, transformers for hospitals and other large loads are installed on a public right-of-way, generally under the sidewalk. The tariff modification sought by Con Edison required large building owners to provide space and pay the cost of installing new transformers within their buildings. While Con Edison would still pay for the transformers, Con Edison would no longer install them on the public right-of-way. CPA filed testimony at the PSC opposing this change, noting that the cost of moving transformers into a single building could well exceed $5 million.

In addition, critical care facilities would need to give up a significant amount of indoor hospital space, currently used to provide healthcare services. To date, CPA has been successful in opposing this tariff change, though the proceeding is ongoing and CPA’s work continues.

Join CPA

These are just a few examples of how CPA members are providing a strong voice in a wide range of matters that impact energy markets in New York. CPA is open to all non-profit customers of Con Ed, National Grid, and O&R utilities. If you're interested in joining CPA, click the button below.