The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m.

Legislator Bronz made a motion to approve the minutes of March 9, 1999 and was seconded by Chair Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 2-0.

Seth Goldstein and Dave Moskowitz explained that they represent workers of Con Ed and the Power Authority. They were before the Minority Affairs Committee to discuss an issue that effects the whole community. Con Ed is slowly shutting down their customer service centers. At these service centers, customers pay their bills, (it is a mostly cash payment center), they receive advice, and get assistance in paying their bills. The majority of the customers who use these centers are poor people, minorities and senior citizens. These centers provide a place where customers who do not have checking accounts can pay in cash and will not have to pay a fee to do so. They also feel safe in the service centers, only Con Ed customers use them, at other payment centers everyone uses them and there have been several instances where senior citizens have been mugged. In addition, at the alternate payment centers Con Ed customers can not ask any questions or get advice about their Con Ed service. Another problem that has occurred is, when a Con Ed customer paid their bill at the alternative payment center and it did not get forwarded to Con Ed in time and the customer’s service

got shut off. Mr. Moskowitz stated that Con Ed claims deregulation is the reason for them closing the customer service centers, however they were ordered to cut the rates by 10% but not in the areas of customer service. Instead of cutting rates by 10% they are slashing service centers by 100%. It was also explained that the corporate accounts, which are large businesses, are still being serviced, they have just cut out a culture.

Chair Young agreed that this is a serious issue. He stated that he would like these individuals to come back before the full Board of Legislators. He went on to say that they do not regulate Con Ed but they do have some influence.

Legislator Bronz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:58 p.m. and was seconded by Chair Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 2-0.