Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
| Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Office Type: | Non-partisan |
| Office website: | Official Link |
| 2013 FY Budget: | $8,733,815 |
| Total Seats: | 3 |
| Term limits: | None |
| Structure | |
| Length of term: | 6 years |
| Authority: | Rhode Island general laws, § 42-14.3-1 |
| Leadership: | Elia Germani |
| Selection Method: | Appointed by Governor |
| Other Rhode Island Executive Offices | |
| Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Superintendent of Education • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission | |
Contents |
Current officeholder
The current chairman is Elia Germani. He serves alongside Paul Roberti and Mary Bray.
Authority
The public utilities commission is established in Section 42-14.3-1 of the Rhode Island general laws.
§ 42-14.3-1:
| There shall be a public utilities commission. The head of the commission shall be the chairperson of the public utilities commission, who shall carry out, except as otherwise provided by this title, the provisions of chapters 1 – 20, inclusive, of title 39, and of all other general laws and public laws heretofore carried out by the former administrator of public utilities and carriers and division of public utilities and carriers. |
Appointments
The commissioners are appointed by the governor, the the advice and consent of the state senate, to a six year term. The commissioners are selected "with regard to their qualifications and experience in law and government, energy matters, economics and finance, and engineering and accounting,"[1] and are eligible to succeed themselves.
Vacancies
According to Title 39 of the Rhode Island general laws, a vacancy in the office of a commissioner (other than by expiration of a term) shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment. The appointee will serve the remainder of the unexpired term.[1]
Duties
According to Title 39 of the Rhode Island general laws, the commission serves as a quasi-judicial tribunal. The commission has the jurisdiction, powers, and duties to:
- implement and enforce the standards of conduct under § 39-1-27.6
- hold investigations and hearings involving the rates, tariffs, tolls, and charges, and the sufficiency and reasonableness of facilities and accommodations of railroad, gas, electric distribution, water, telephone, telegraph, and pipeline public utilities, the location of railroad depots and stations, and the control of grade crossings, the revocation, suspension, or alteration of certificates issued pursuant to § 39-19-4, appeals under § 39-1-30, petitions under § 39-1-31, and proceedings under § 39-1-32.
Divisions
- Electric
- Water
- Wastewater
- Natural gas
- Telecom
- Cable TV
- Motor carriers
- Ferry services
State budget
The budget for the Public Utilities Commission in Fiscal Year 2013 was $8,733,815.[2]
Compensation
- See also: Compensation of state executive officers
In 2012, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commissioners were each paid an estimated $125,071. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.
Contact information
Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
89 Jefferson Boulevard
Warwick, RI 02888
Phone: (401) 941-4500
E-mail: PUC
See also
External links
References
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