The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is a former government agency of the State of New York that was responsible for protecting, educating and representing consumers.
The three main divisions of the Consumer Protection Board were:[1] The CPB was established in 1970 under legislation signed by then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller.
Betty Furness, a former Hollywood actress who had served as special assistant for consumer affairs to President Lyndon B. Johnson, was named as the Board's first chairman and executive director.
[2] Furness served in the position until July 1971, resigning after complaints about the lack of serious attention to her recommendations by the New York Legislature.
[3][4] Richard Kessel served as Executive Director of the CPB from 1983 to 1995, where he negotiated rate freeze agreements with Consolidated Edison, Niagara Mohawk and other electric and telephone utilities, which Kessel estimated saved consumers $1 billion.