Utah Administrative Code Topic - Public Service Commission
The "Public Service Commission" topic in the Utah Administrative Code refers to the comprehensive set of regulations created and enforced by the Public Service Commission of Utah (PSC). The PSC is a state executive board primarily responsible for regulating public utilities in Utah. Its core mission is to ensure that utility services are safe, reliable, adequate, and reasonably priced.
The rules of the Utah Public Service Commission are primarily found under Title R746 of the Utah Administrative Code.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas and types of rules you would find under this topic:
I. Core Regulatory Functions and Jurisdiction (R746-1 and others):
Public Utilities Regulated: The PSC generally regulates investor-owned and cooperative-owned utilities providing:
Electric Power
Natural Gas
Telecommunications (primarily local service; excludes cellular, pagers, internet service providers, VoIP, and interstate long-distance)
Water
Sewer
Railroads (intrastate, though safety regulation may be delegated to UDOT)
Excluded Entities: Importantly, the PSC does not regulate government-owned utilities (e.g., municipal electric, gas, water, or sewer systems, or municipal broadband like UTOPIA). It also generally does not have authority over federally regulated activities.
Rate Setting: A major function is the review and approval of rates and tariffs charged by regulated utilities to ensure they are "just and reasonable." This involves complex rate cases and economic analysis.
Service Quality and Reliability: The PSC also evaluates and sets standards for the quality and reliability of utility services.
Customer Complaints: It handles and resolves customer complaints against regulated utilities.
Infrastructure Projects: It reviews and approves new infrastructure projects by utilities.
II. Key Chapters and Specific Rules within R746:
R746-1: Public Service Commission Administrative Procedures Act Rule: This is a foundational chapter that outlines the general procedural rules for all formal adjudicative proceedings before the Commission. It covers:
Definitions of terms.
Designation of adjudicative proceedings (informal vs. formal).
Complaint procedures.
Pleading requirements.
Motions.
Pre-hearing briefs, comments, and testimony.
Discovery procedures.
Handling of confidential and highly confidential information.
Hearing procedures, including witness subpoenas, continuances, and public witness evidence.
Post-hearing proceedings and appeals.
Electronic meeting rules.
Rules specific to different utility types: There are numerous rules detailing the operations, service standards, and financial requirements for each type of utility:
Electric Utilities (e.g., R746-210, R746-220): Rules for service, net metering, renewable energy, energy conservation, power purchase agreements, and interconnection standards.
Gas Utilities (e.g., R746-230, R746-240): Rules for service, safety, and supply.
Telecommunications Utilities (e.g., R746-340): Service quality, intercarrier compensation, universal service funds (like the Utah Universal Public Telecommunications Service Support Fund - UUSF, covered in R746-8).
Water and Sewer Utilities (e.g., R746-330): Rules for service, water conservation, and wastewater management.
Financial and Reporting Rules:
R746-401: Reporting of Construction, Purchase, Acquisition, Sale, Transfer or Disposition of Assets: Ensures the Commission is aware of significant financial transactions by utilities.
R746-405: Filing of Tariffs: Requirements for utilities to file their rates, terms, and conditions of service.
R746-700: Complete Filings for General Rate Case and Major Plant Addition Applications: Detailed requirements for utilities seeking rate increases or approval for major capital investments, outlining the data and analysis that must be submitted.
Consumer Protection and Information (e.g., R746-460): Rules governing customer information, marketing practices, and billing procedures for large-scale electric and gas utilities.
Safety (e.g., R746-402): Rules governing the reporting of accidents by utilities.
Specific Programs: Rules for specific initiatives like the Utah Universal Public Telecommunications Service Support Fund (R746-8) to ensure affordable telecommunications services.
In essence, the "Public Service Commission" topic in the Utah Administrative Code (primarily Title R746) provides the detailed legal framework through which the PSC exercises its authority to regulate essential utility services in Utah, balancing the interests of consumers, utilities, and the public good.
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