Code of Vermont Rules Agency 31 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Code of Vermont Rules, Agency 31 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE, is distinct from the Public Utility Commission (Agency 30) and plays a vital role in Vermont's utility landscape. While the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is the quasi-judicial body that makes decisions and issues orders regarding utility regulation, the Department of Public Service (DPS) serves as the public's advocate and provides policy recommendations and oversight.
The Department of Public Service (DPS) is an agency within the executive branch of Vermont state government. Its core mission is to represent the public interest in matters concerning energy, telecommunications, water, and wastewater.
The regulations under Agency 31 reflect this advocacy and planning role. You'll find two main subagencies:
Subagency 000 - GENERAL (Chapters 002 to 009)
These chapters likely cover the general administrative functions and the overall approach of the DPS in its advocacy and planning roles. This could include:
Rules of Practice for the Department: While the PUC has its own rules of practice for formal hearings, the DPS might have internal rules for how it conducts its investigations, engages with stakeholders, or prepares its recommendations.
Public Advocacy Procedures: Guidelines on how the Department represents the public interest in cases before the Public Utility Commission (PUC), federal regulatory agencies, and state and federal courts. This involves filing testimony, conducting discovery, and presenting arguments on behalf of consumers and the broader public good.
Customer Complaint Resolution: While the PUC handles formal complaints, the DPS's Consumer Affairs and Public Information (CAPI) Division often works to resolve consumer disputes with utilities informally. These rules might outline their procedures for mediating and resolving such complaints.
Long-Range Planning: Regulations related to the Department's role in developing long-range plans for the state's energy and telecommunications needs, such as the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan and the Vermont Telecommunications Plan. These plans guide policy and investment.
Energy Efficiency Programs: Rules pertaining to the promotion and oversight of energy efficiency programs in the state. The DPS often plays a role in evaluating the effectiveness of these programs and advocating for policies that support efficiency.
Broadband Expansion Facilitation: Regulations related to the Department's efforts to facilitate the expansion of broadband internet access across Vermont, which might include grant programs or other initiatives.
Administration of Federal Programs: Rules for the administration of various federal energy or telecommunications programs on behalf of the state.
Subagency 010 - VERMONT ENHANCED 9-1-1 BOARD (Chapters 001 to 005)
This subagency specifically focuses on the regulations governing the Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board. This board is responsible for the statewide enhanced 9-1-1 system, which provides emergency services access. Regulations here would likely cover:
Funding and Budgeting: Rules for the collection and expenditure of 9-1-1 surcharges.
Operational Standards: Guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the 9-1-1 system, including call routing, data management, and public safety answering point (PSAP) requirements.
Data Management and Privacy: Rules regarding the handling of caller location data and other sensitive information.
Service Provider Requirements: Regulations for telecommunications carriers and other service providers to ensure their compliance with 9-1-1 system requirements.
Key Difference from the PUC (Agency 30):
It's crucial to understand the distinction between the Department of Public Service (Agency 31) and the Public Utility Commission (Agency 30):
Department of Public Service (DPS - Agency 31): The advocate for the public interest, a participant in regulatory cases, and responsible for long-range planning and certain program administration.
Public Utility Commission (PUC - Agency 30): The quasi-judicial decision-making body that hears cases, issues orders, and sets rates for regulated utilities.
In essence, the DPS develops and presents the public's perspective and analysis to the PUC, which then makes the final regulatory decisions.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's always best to consult the official website of the Vermont Department of Public Service (publicservice.vermont.gov) and the official publications of the Code of Vermont Rules.
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