Public Service Commissions must balance utility companies’ ability to earn a profit with the public’s right to receive services at reasonable rates. A primary activity of state commissions is convening rate cases, which is a very long and complex process. Such proceedings (evidentiary hearings) follow the rules of courts; judgments (orders) are determined based on the evidence presented that is part of the official record.
Parties to Rate Proceedings
Typical participants include:
- The utility company asking for rate change, represented by legal counsel
- Staff of the utility company provide written testimony and may be called to testify during the evidentiary proceeding
- Other expert witnesses (industry representatives, researchers, etc.) may also be among the witnesses
- Commission Staff Counsel
- Present evidence/testimony of commission staff
- Present evidence/testimony of outside expert witnesses
- Consumer Advocates
- Other State Agencies
- Ratepayers in the Jurisdiction (through public comment hearings and other mechanisms to add ratepayer concerns to the official record)