Section 89-P. Powers of the department

The department shall, with respect
  to out of state  water-works  corporations  which  are  affiliated  with
  in-state  water-works  corporations  and  which  provide  water  to such
  in-state corporations for eventual retail to New  York  consumers,  keep
  apprised of, attend and monitor, and, where possible, formally intervene
  in  rate  cases  brought  by  such  out of state corporations before the
  appropriate regulatory agency of such other state. The commission  shall
  consider  and  utilize  information  secured  therefrom  in  determining
  whether rate increases sought by such affiliated  in-state  corporations
  are in the public interest.