Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
1. Purpose of the Public Service Commission (PSC)
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is a state agency responsible for regulating public utilities and services to ensure they operate safely, efficiently, and fairly. The PSC oversees:
Electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer utilities.
Telecommunications and certain transportation services.
Service quality, rates, and consumer protection.
Enforcement of state laws and administrative rules for public utilities.
The PSC ensures Nebraska residents and businesses receive reliable utility services at fair rates while promoting safety, environmental responsibility, and energy efficiency.
2. Structure and Authority
Commission Composition:
The PSC consists of five elected commissioners, each representing a district in the state.
Commissioners serve fixed terms and are responsible for policymaking and regulatory oversight.
Powers and Responsibilities:
Rate Regulation: Approves or adjusts rates charged by public utilities.
Service Oversight: Monitors service quality, ensuring utilities meet minimum standards.
Licensing and Certification: Grants authority for utility operation, pipeline construction, or telecommunications services.
Investigation and Enforcement: Conducts investigations into complaints, violations, or unsafe practices.
Rulemaking: Adopts administrative rules under the Nebraska Administrative Code to implement laws related to public utilities.
3. Key Responsibilities Under NAC
Utility Rate Regulation:
Utilities must file rate applications with the PSC for review.
PSC examines cost structures, revenue needs, and customer impacts.
Ensures rates are reasonable, just, and non-discriminatory.
Consumer Protection:
PSC addresses complaints about utility service, billing errors, or safety issues.
Utilities must maintain records and respond to PSC inquiries.
Provides a formal complaint process for customers.
Service Standards and Safety:
Establishes minimum operational standards for utilities.
Ensures utilities comply with safety, reliability, and environmental regulations.
Oversees emergency response and infrastructure reliability.
Licensing and Certification:
Utilities, transportation providers, and telecommunications companies must obtain PSC approval to operate legally.
PSC may revoke or suspend licenses for non-compliance.
Rulemaking and Administration:
NAC contains detailed rules on filing procedures, hearing processes, and reporting requirements.
PSC issues orders, directives, and guidelines for utilities to follow.
4. Processes Managed by the PSC
Rate Cases:
Utilities submit applications for rate changes.
PSC reviews costs, public interest, and fairness.
Public hearings may be held for transparency and feedback.
Complaint Handling:
Customers file complaints about service or billing.
PSC investigates, mediates, or enforces corrective actions.
Utility Inspections and Reporting:
Utilities must submit periodic reports on operations, financials, and safety compliance.
PSC may inspect infrastructure or operations to ensure compliance.
Rulemaking and Orders:
PSC adopts administrative rules in the Nebraska Administrative Code.
Issues binding orders and decisions enforceable on regulated entities.
5. Practical Implications
For Utilities:
Must comply with rate, service, and safety regulations.
Required to maintain transparency and report operational data.
Subject to enforcement actions if regulations are violated.
For Consumers:
PSC ensures fair rates, safe and reliable service, and a mechanism to resolve disputes.
Provides information on utility services, rate changes, and regulatory actions.
For Nebraska State Government:
PSC enforces state energy, environmental, and public safety policies through regulated utilities.
Serves as an intermediary between utilities and the public.
6. Key Principles of PSC Regulation
Fairness: Ensures all customers are treated equally.
Safety: Protects public safety in utility operations.
Reliability: Ensures consistent and uninterrupted utility service.
Transparency: Decisions and procedures are public, and stakeholders can participate.
Accountability: Utilities and commissioners are accountable for actions and decisions.
✅ Summary
The Nebraska Public Service Commission is the regulatory authority over public utilities and certain transportation services in Nebraska. Under the NAC, it:
Regulates rates, service quality, and safety standards.
Licenses utilities and ensures legal compliance.
Handles consumer complaints and enforces corrective measures.
Adopts and implements administrative rules for fair, efficient, and reliable utility services.
The PSC ensures that Nebraska residents and businesses receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced utility services while maintaining transparency and accountability.ng and regulation to protect producers.
911 Emergency Services – Funding and implementation of Next Generation 911 systems.
Broadband – Support for broadband expansion and oversight of grant programs.
Telehealth & Relay Services – Ensuring availability and standards for services for disabled or rural populations.
Nebraska Administrative Code Chapters (Examples):
While specific chapter numbers may vary, here are examples of how PSC rules might be organized:
291 NAC 1 – Rules of Commission Procedure
291 NAC 5 – Motor Carrier Rules
291 NAC 7 – Telecommunications Regulations
291 NAC 9 – Pipeline Safety Standards
291 NAC 10 – Grain Warehouse and Dealer Licensing
Accessing the Rules:
You can find the full and official versions of the NAC chapters for the Public Service Commission via the Nebraska Secretary of State's website or the Nebraska PSC website.
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