The Basics

Every state, along with DC and most of the US territories, has a group of government officials that regulates utilities. These groups are usually called Public Utilities Commissions, Public Service Commissions, or Corporation Commissions, and their members are called Commissioners. In most places, Commissioners are appointed by the Governor (or sometimes the state legislature), but in 11 states Commissioners are elected directly by voters.

A Utilities Commission regulates and oversees the public utilities in your state: water, sewage, electricity, gas, and sometimes telecommunications too (which includes rules around telemarketing and spam calls). Some states also give their Commissions authority over railroads and other industries. 

Because of this regulatory power, Commissioners have a lot of influence over one of the most basic and important aspects of your household budget: your utility bills. They also have a big impact on energy and climate issues in your state. Commissioners make far-reaching decisions on whether to expand renewable energy, make it easier for individual homeowners to get rooftop solar, or allow new fossil fuel-based power plants to be built.

The way Commissioners are elected varies. Some states elect all their commissioners at-large (meaning all the state’s voters vote on every Commissioner), and some separate the state into districts, with each district electing one Commissioner.

How can I make my voice heard?

Democracy works when you do! Learn how to advocate for what you believe in, no matter the office or government agency, with our handy Genius Guides to advocacy.

Source: the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners 

What have Public Utilities Commissioners done?

Commissioners’ decisions can affect everything from your household budget, to air and water quality in your neighborhood, to how your state responds to climate change. Here are just a few examples of actions that have made a big impact:

• Davante Lewis
  Louisiana
  When the Public Service Commission voted 4-1 to raise electricity rates to offset hurricane recovery costs, Commissioner Lewis was the only ‘no’ vote – he argued the rate hike hadn’t gone through the normal review process and said the Commission should “protect ratepayers from unnecessary financial burdens”
• Andy Tobin
  Arizona
  Proposed a plan for Arizona’s utilities to generate at least 80% of electricity from renewable and nuclear energy by 2030, along with energy efficiency reforms and policies promoting electric cars

How does it work in my state?

Scroll down and click on your state to learn more about the specifics of a Public Utilities Commissioner’s powers and responsibilities where you live. (If your state isn’t here yet, check back often – we’re adding more info all the time. If your state doesn’t have an elected Public Utilities Commission, you won’t see it here.)