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Wyoming Public Service Commission
| Wyoming Public Service Commission | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Office Type: | Non-partisan |
| Office website: | Official Link |
| 2013-2014 FY Budget: | $15,680,487 |
| Total Seats: | 3 |
| Term limits: | None |
| Structure | |
| Length of term: | 6 years |
| Authority: | Wyoming Code, Title 37, Chapter 2, Article 1 |
| Leadership: | Alan Minier |
| Selection Method: | Appointed by Governor |
| Other Wyoming Executive Offices | |
| Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditors: Auditor • Director • Superintendent of Education • • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission | |
Contents |
Current officeholder
The current chairman is Alan Minier. He serves alongside Kara Brighton and Bill Russell.
Authority
The public service commission's statutory authority is established by Title 37, Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Wyoming Code.
§ 37-2-101:
| (a) There is created a commission separate from the state board of equalization to which it has been joined which is known as the “public service commission of Wyoming”. The commission shall consist of three (3) members appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Not more than two (2) members of the commission shall at any time be members of the same political party. Each member of the commission shall receive an annual salary as provided by law, to be paid in equal monthly installments in the same manner that other state salaries are paid. |
Qualifications
There are no specific qualifications for this office.
Appointments
All three public service commissioners are appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to staggered, six-year terms. No more than two members can be members of the same political party. The commissioners elect, among themselves, a chairman and deputy chairman every two years.[1]
Vacancies
Title 37, Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Wyoming Code details how vacancies in the office are filled. In the event of a vacancy for any reason, the governor shall fill the vacancy in accordance with Wyoming Statute § 28-12-101.
The governor appoints a successor, with the advice and consent of the state senate. In the event that the legislature is not in session when the position becomes vacant, the governor may fill the seat by temporary appointment to be effective until March 1 of the ensuing calendar year.[2]
Duties
The primary duty of the public service commission is to regulate the rates and service provision of electricity, natural gas, and telephone utilities. The commission is responsible for ensuring safe, adequate and reliable service at fair rates. Additional duties include:
- certifying utility service territory
- resolving complaints lodged against utilities
- authorizing major utility construction projects
- manage utility mergers and reorganizations
- administering the Wyoming Universal Service Fund
- representing the interests of Wyoming in regulatory issues on both regional and national organizations
- arbitrating disputes between parties[3]
The commission does NOT regulate the following utilities:
- municipal water systems
- municipal gas and electric utilities
- interstate utility companies
- cable television companies
- wholesale entities like generation and transmission cooperatives who do not sell directly to the public[3]
Divisions
There are three divisions within the public service commission:
- Administration
- Office of Consumer Advocate
- Wyoming Universal Service Fund[4]
The staff of the public service commission include accountants, attorneys, economists, engineers, rate analysts, and support staff.[3]
State budget
The budget for the Public Service Commission in Fiscal Year 2013-2014 is $15,680,487.[5]
Compensation
In 2010, the Wyoming Public Service Commissioners were each paid an estimated $115,712 according to the Council of State Governments.[6]
Contact information
Wyoming Public Service Commission
Hansen Building
2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 300
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307-777-7427
Fax: 307-777-5700
E-mail: Wyoming PSC
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Wyoming Code, "Title 37, Chapter 2, Article 1," accessed August 25, 2011
- ↑ '"Wyoming Code, Title 28, Chapter 12, Article 1," accessed August 24, 2011
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Wyoming Public Service Commission, "About us," accessed August 17, 2011
- ↑ Wyoming Public Service Commission, "2010 Annual Report" (page 2), retrieved August 25, 2011
- ↑ Wyoming Department of Administration and Information, "Department Budget Summary Public Service Commission 2013-2014," Accessed April 2, 2013
- ↑ The Council of State Governments,"The Book of States 2010 Table 4.11," retrieved May 14, 2011
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