Public utilities commission

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Public Utilities Commission

A Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is a governmental agency in various jurisdictions that regulates the rates and services of a public utility. Public utilities include services such as electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications. The primary role of a PUC is to ensure that consumers receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services while allowing utility companies the opportunity to earn a fair return on their investments.

Functions

Public Utilities Commissions typically have several key functions:

• **Rate Setting**: PUCs determine the rates that utilities can charge their customers. This involves reviewing the utility's costs and ensuring that the rates are fair and reasonable.
• **Service Quality**: PUCs monitor the quality of service provided by utilities to ensure that they meet certain standards.
• **Consumer Protection**: PUCs handle complaints from consumers and ensure that utilities comply with regulations designed to protect consumers.
• **Infrastructure Oversight**: PUCs oversee the maintenance and development of utility infrastructure to ensure reliability and safety.
• **Policy Implementation**: PUCs implement state and federal policies related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other public utility concerns.

Structure

The structure of a Public Utilities Commission can vary by jurisdiction, but they are generally composed of a board of commissioners. These commissioners are often appointed by the governor or elected by the public. The commission typically includes experts in various fields such as law, economics, engineering, and public policy.

History

The concept of regulating public utilities dates back to the early 20th century when the need for oversight of monopolistic utility companies became apparent. The first PUC in the United States was established in New York in 1907. Since then, every state has established its own PUC to regulate utilities within its borders.

Related Pages

• Electricity market
• Natural gas
• Water supply
• Sewage treatment
• Telecommunications
• Consumer protection
• Energy policy
• Renewable energy

See Also

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• State utility regulatory commissions
• Monopoly
• Rate of return regulation
• Utility cooperative