California Public Utilities Commission
| California Public Utilities Commission | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Office Type: | Non-partisan |
| Office website: | Official Link |
| Total Seats: | 5 |
| Term limits: | None |
| Structure | |
| Length of term: | 6 years |
| Authority: | California Constitution, Article 12, Section 1 |
| Leadership: | Michael R. Peevey |
| Selection Method: | Appointed by governor |
| Other California Executive Offices | |
| Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Controller • Superintendent of Public Instruction • Agriculture Secretary • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Secretary • Industrial Relations Director • Public Utilities Commission | |
Contents |
Current officeholders
The current commissioners are Michael R. Peevey (president), Carla J. Peterman, Michel Peter Florio, Catherine J.K. Sandoval and Mark J. Ferron. Peevey was appointed in 2002, Simon in 2007, and the remaining three in 2011. Commissioners serve six year terms.
Authority
The commission's authority is established by the California Constitution.[2]
California Constitution, Article 12, Section 1
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The Public Utilities Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate, a majority of the membership concurring, for staggered 6-year terms. A vacancy is filled for the remainder of the term. The Legislature may remove a member for incompetence, neglect of duty, or corruption, two thirds of the membership of each house concurring. |
Qualifications
The only unique requirement of public utilities commissioners is that they not have a financial interest in or official relation to any utility.[3] However, commissioners must still satisfy the basic requirements for civil service employment in the state; he or she must be a resident of the state, at least 18 years of age, not a convicted felon, and not a member of the Communist Party or any other organization that advocates the overthrow of the U.S. government.[4]
Appointments
Commissioners are appointed by the governor to six year terms with the approval of the state Senate. However, the legislature is permitted to remove commissioners for "incompetence, neglect of duty, or corruption," by a vote of two-thirds of both houses.[2]
California Constitution, Article 12, Section 1
|
The Public Utilities Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate, a majority of the membership concurring, for staggered 6-year terms... The Legislature may remove a member for incompetence, neglect of duty, or corruption, two thirds of the membership of each house concurring. |
Term limits
There are no term limits associated with the office of public utilities commissioner.
Vacancies
Vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment until the end of the term.[2]
California Constitution, Article 12, Section 1
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[...] A vacancy is filled for the remainder of the term. [...] |
Duties
The commission is responsible for making and enforcing regulation of the state's public utilities, which include electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit and passenger transportation companies. The commission's role is quasi-executive, in that it enforces regulations, quasi-legislative in that it makes them, and quasi-judicial in that it holds hearings and receives testimony on potential regulatory rulings.
The Public Utilities Commission must approve all rate changes, enforces consumer protection and safety laws, investigates complaints or issues concerning public utilities providers. The commission also employees a number of administrative law judges who rule on regulatory matters, facilitate "alternative dispute resolution," and conduct hearings on the commission's rulings or policies.[5]
Divisions
- Executive Office
- News and Public Information
- Consumer Service and Information
- Governmental Affairs
- Energy
- Communications
- Consumer Protection and Safety
- Water
- Legal
- Administrative Law Judges
- Information and Management Serices
- Policy & Planning
- Ratepayer Advocates[6]
Compensation
In 2010, the commissioner received compensation in the amount of $137,100.[7] The secretary's salary, like that of all other non-elected executive department heads, is determined by Section 11550 of California's Government Code and is subject to annual increases.[8]
Contact info
Physical office:
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 703-2782
Fax: (415) 703-1758
See also
- Public Services Commissioner
- Michael R. Peevey (president)
- Carla J. Peterman
- Michel Peter Florio
- Catherine J.K. Sandoval
- Mark J. Ferron
External links
References
- ↑ California Public Utilities Commission, "Home," accessed June 30, 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 California Constitution, "Article 12, Section 1," accessed June 30, 2011.
- ↑ California Public Utilities Code, "Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 303," accessed June 30, 2011.
- ↑ California Government Code, "Sections 1020-1042," accessed June 29, 2011.
- ↑ California Public Utilities Commission, "About Us," accessed July 7, 2011.
- ↑ California Public Utilities Commission, "CPUC Organization Charts," accessed July 7, 2011.
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2010 -- Table 4.11," accessed June 23, 2011.
- ↑ California Government Code, "Section 11550," accessed June 29, 2011.
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