New York (State). Dept. of Public Service.

State regulation of public utilities dates from the early nineteenth century, when the legislature began including financial and service requirements in incorporation statutes. More systematic oversight began with an 1843 assembly resolution requiring railroads to submit reports to the secretary of state. Five years later (Laws of 1848, Chapter 140), the railroads were required to report instead to the state engineer and surveyor on financial affairs, equipment, and passengers and freight carried. A Railroad Commission was established in 1855 (Chapter 526) to receive reports and investigate railroad operation, but this commission was abolished two years later, and the railroads resumed reporting to the engineer and surveyor. In 1882 (Chapter 353), a Board of Railroad Commissioners was created with power to require reports, investigate complaints, and recommend service improvements and rate adjustments, but without any enforcement power. Nine years later (Laws of 1891, Chapter 4), the State recognized New York City's special transportation needs by establishing a Board of Rapid Transit Commissioners to oversee the expansion of surface rapid transit facilities and plan the construction of subways.

Turning to other utilities, the legislature established the office of inspector of gas meters to inspect and seal meters (Laws of 1859, Chapter 311) and, later, a Commission of Gas and Electricity to regulate rates (Laws of 1905, Chapter 737).

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