Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 860 is the comprehensive set of regulations governing the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Oregon. The PUC is a state agency responsible for regulating investor-owned electric, natural gas, and certain water and telecommunications utilities in Oregon.
The overarching purpose of OAR Chapter 860 and the PUC's work is to ensure that Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas and responsibilities covered within OAR Chapter 860:
Broad Areas of Regulation:
Utility Regulation (General): This covers fundamental aspects of how utilities operate, including service standards, safety standards, accounting practices, and general administrative procedures.
Rates: A significant portion of the OARs deals with the methodology for setting just and reasonable rates for utility services, ensuring that utilities recover their costs while customers pay fair prices. This includes detailed rules on rate filings, cost recovery, and revenue requirements.
Service Standards: Rules are in place to define the quality and reliability of service that utilities must provide, covering aspects like power outages, customer service, and complaint resolution.
Safety Standards: The PUC enforces safety standards for electric, natural gas, and telecommunications infrastructure to protect the public and utility workers. This includes rules on inspections, construction, operation, and maintenance of utility facilities.
Telecommunications: Specific regulations address various aspects of telecommunications services, including basic telephone service, universal service funds, and small telecommunications utilities.
Water and Wastewater Utilities: Rules are established for the regulation of certain water and wastewater services, particularly for joint water/wastewater utilities.
Energy Policy and Renewable Resources: The OARs reflect Oregon's commitment to clean energy and climate goals, with divisions dedicated to:
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): Requirements for utilities to source a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.
Solar Photovoltaic Programs: Regulations supporting solar energy development.
Net Metering Rules: Governing how customers with renewable energy systems (like solar panels) can connect to the grid and be credited for excess power.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Requirements related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from regulated utilities.
Transportation Electrification: Plans and programs to support the adoption of electric vehicles.
Community Solar: Rules for community-based solar projects.
Renewable Natural Gas: Regulations concerning the use and integration of renewable natural gas.
Resource Adequacy: Ensuring utilities have sufficient resources to meet future energy demands.
Customer Information and Protection: Rules are in place to ensure customers receive clear information about their service, billing, and rights, and to protect them from unfair practices. This also includes provisions for severe weather moratoriums on disconnections for nonpayment.
Interconnection Rules: Regulations for how independent power producers (like those generating power from renewable sources) can connect to the utility grid.
Wildfire Mitigation Plans: Recent additions to the OARs reflect the increasing focus on utility safety and wildfire prevention.
Divisions within Chapter 860 often address specific topics, such as:
General administration and alternative dispute resolution.
Pleadings and tariff filings for formal proceedings.
Budgets, finance, accounting, and annual reports for utilities.
Pole and conduit attachments.
Agreements between electric utilities and electric cogeneration and small power production facilities.
Residential and commercial energy conservation.
Oregon Universal Service Fund (OUSF).
In essence, OAR Chapter 860 provides the regulatory framework through which the Oregon Public Utility Commission carries out its mission of balancing the interests of utility customers, utilities, and the state's broader energy and environmental goals.
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