Utah Administrative Code Topic - Public Service Commission
The Utah Administrative Code (UAC) related to the Public Service Commission (PSC) outlines the detailed rules and procedures by which the PSC regulates public utilities in the state. The PSC's overarching mission is to ensure safe, reliable, adequate, and reasonably priced utility service for Utah residents.
Key Roles and Responsibilities of the Utah Public Service Commission:
The PSC is an independent agency with legislative, adjudicative, and rulemaking powers. It regulates most electrical, natural gas, telephone, and water utilities that serve the public in Utah. Specifically, its duties include:
Rate Setting: Determining just and reasonable rates and tariffs for utility services. This often involves conducting extensive hearings and investigations into utility company operations, reviewing financial data, and considering public input.
Service Quality and Reliability: Evaluating the reliability and quality of utility service to ensure it meets acceptable standards.
Resource Planning: Assessing utility resource plans, which include long-term strategies for meeting future energy and water demands.
Customer Complaints: Responding to and addressing customer complaints regarding utility services.
Rulemaking: Establishing administrative rules to implement and enforce the state laws (primarily Utah Code Title 54 - Public Utilities) that grant the PSC its authority.
Hearings and Investigations: Conducting formal hearings and investigations on various matters, such as applications for rate changes, new service offerings, mergers, or customer service issues. These proceedings are quasi-judicial, meaning they involve formal testimony, evidence, and cross-examination.
Structure of the Utah Administrative Code (UAC) relevant to the PSC:
The rules governing the Public Service Commission are primarily found under Title R746 - Public Service Commission and Title R747 - Public Service Commission, Utility Facility Review Board within the Utah Administrative Code.
Within these titles, you will find chapters covering a wide range of topics, including:
Administrative Procedures: Rules governing the conduct of formal proceedings before the Commission, including:
Filing requirements for complaints, applications, and other pleadings.
Rules for motions, discovery, and pre-hearing procedures.
Procedures for identifying and treating confidential information.
Rules for public hearings, witness testimony, and submission of evidence.
Post-hearing procedures and appeals.
Utility Operations and Service Standards: Specific rules related to:
Service quality and reliability for electric, gas, water, and telecommunications utilities.
Metering, billing, and customer service standards.
Safety regulations for utility infrastructure.
Rate Regulation: Detailed methodologies and requirements for utilities to propose and justify rate changes, including:
Cost of service studies.
Rate design principles.
Fuel cost adjustments.
Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCNs): Rules for obtaining and modifying CCNs, which are permits required for utilities to operate in specific service territories.
Integrated Resource Planning: Guidelines for utilities to develop and submit long-term resource plans.
Net Metering: Regulations pertaining to renewable energy systems that allow customers to generate their own power and feed excess electricity back to the grid.
Universal Service Fund: Rules related to programs designed to ensure affordable access to telecommunications services for all Utah residents.
Interconnection Standards: Rules for connecting distributed generation or other facilities to the utility grid.
Emergency Preparedness: Regulations related to utility emergency response plans.
Relationship to Utah Code Title 54 - Public Utilities:
The Utah Administrative Code (Title R746 and R747) provides the specific details and procedures for implementing the broader statutory framework established in Utah Code Title 54 - Public Utilities. Title 54 defines what constitutes a "public utility," outlines the general powers and duties of the PSC, and sets the legal foundation for utility regulation in the state. The administrative rules then flesh out these statutory provisions, providing the practical guidance for utilities, consumers, and other stakeholders.
Where to Access the Utah Administrative Code:
The official source for the Utah Administrative Code is the Utah Office of Administrative Rules website (adminrules.utah.gov). You can navigate by topic or agency to find the relevant rules for the Public Service Commission. Legal research platforms like Justia and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) also often provide access to the UAC.
Anyone seeking to understand the regulatory environment for public utilities in Utah, whether they are a utility company, a consumer, or a legal professional, will need to consult the relevant sections of the Utah Administrative Code, particularly those under Titles R746 and R747.
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