CPA - Consumer Power Advocates
The Consumer Power Advocates (CPA) was founded by Catherine Luthin, the current Executive Director, in 2001. CPA is an alliance of large not-for-profit institutions in the greater New York region. CPA’s mission is to lower energy costs for its members through representation in energy-related regulatory and legislative proceedings.
CPA works to help its members manage and control the cost of energy by focusing on regulatory decisions and programs which impact energy consumers in New York City. CPA identifies measures currently being evaluated for implementation within the energy markets, communicates the potential impact to our clients and members, and provides support of or opposition to proposed measures. CPA chose to focus on the non-profit sector because unlike private business, non-profits can not pass along the cost of energy increases to their clients. Additional energy costs come right out of their operating budgets and impact the quality of services that they can provide.
CPA represents our members at the Public Service Commission, the New York Independent System Operator and other organizations that impact energy costs. As a registered lobbyist in New York State, CPA can also interact with the legislative and executive branches of the New York State government to influence statutory policy decisions and budget development that can impact the cost of energy.
CPA is a frequent intervener in utility rate cases and reliability hearings to address issues that can have a significant impact on our members' operating budgets. We have also successfully brokered the implementation of economic development programs for the non-profit community. We regularly intercede on behalf of our membership and we hold a seat at the table with the following organizations:
- New York Independent System Operator (ISO)
- NYS Public Service Commission (PSC)
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- Utilities (Con Edison, National Grid and all other New York utilities)
- Energy Service Companies (ESCOs)
- New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
- New York State Department of Economic Development
- New York State Legislature
- NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The Bottom Line for Our Members
Over the last three years, CPA members have saved over $39 million as a result of our efforts. This includes over $18 million from the Bio-medical BIR and more than $9 million from the Power for Jobs program. An additional $9 million in savings has been realized through CPA-initiated changes made to various utility rate cases.