Committees Overview

NARUC's eight standing committees propose resolutions that, if approved by the Board of Directors, set Association policy on congressional, federal, and industry matters. The committees, populated by State public service commissioners, also hold educational sessions and panel discussions on relevant issues to best serve NARUC members.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee includes NARUC's principal officers: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, and two appointed members. These officers serve as the "face" of the Association and are responsible for its overall direction.

Consumers and the Public Interest

The Consumers and the Public Interest Committee focuses on analyzing the growing and changing role State commissions play in protecting consumer interests. With the emergence of competitive markets across the telecommunications and energy industries, consumer protection issues are become far more important than in the past. Committee members are addressing the new challenges brought on by the restructured marketplace, including slamming, information protection, and consumer education.

Critical Infrastructure

Established on a temporary basis after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the now-permanent Critical Infrastructure Committee provides State regulators a forum to analyze solutions to utility infrastructure security and delivery concerns. As demonstrated on Sept. 11 and later during Hurricane Katrina, protection of the nation's energy and telecommunications infrastructure is critical to national security, and this committee gives state regulators opportunities to share best practices and collaborate amongst themselves and their federal counterparts.

Electricity

The Electricity Committee develops and advances policies that promote reliable, adequate, and affordable supply of electricity. Through strong collaboration with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and related federal agencies, the Committee also seeks ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of regulation through education, cooperation, and exchange of information.

Energy Resources and the Environment

With the nation more dependent on electricity and gas than ever before, the Energy Resources and the Environment Committee serves as a venue for State regulators to discuss ways to provide utility customers with environmentally sustainable and affordable energy services. Particularly, the Committee focuses on energy efficiency, environmental protection, renewable and distributed resources, consumer protection, low-income weatherization and assistance, and public interest research and development.

Gas

Through panel discussions and educational sessions, the Gas Committee fosters awareness and understanding of issues affecting the transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas safely, efficiently, and economically. Committee members work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. departments of Energy and Transportation.

International Relations

With the trend of energy market development expands overseas, several countries have sought help and best practices from their American counterparts. The International Committee manages NARUC's outreach activities across the globe, including partnerships with numerous countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Bangladesh.

Education and Research

Telecommunications

Few industries have undergone the tremendous and sweeping reforms that the Telecommunications industry has experienced since it was deregulated in 1996. With the role of the regulator changing as rapidly as the new telecommunications technologies, the Telecommunications Committee provides a critical venue for state commissioners to analyze trends and share best practices. The Committee works closely with the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the FBI.

Regulatory and Industry Diversity

By promoting inclusion and the utilization of prudent and competitive procurement practice, the Select Committee on Regulatory and Industry Diversity will open the gate of opportunity for women, minority and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (DBE) in utility supply markets. The Select Committee on Regulatory and Industry Diversity will strengthen relationships that provide mutual economic benefits for ratepayers, investors, and DBEs.

Water

The Water Committee aims to increase awareness and understanding about the issues surrounding uses and reuses of water and wastewater. Through policy resolutions, panel discussions, and participation in high-level events, the Committee works closely with several agency and stakeholder groups, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Water Companies, and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.

Federal Government Collaboratives

Learn more about our Federal Government Collaboratives