Who Holds the Power? Demystifying and Democratizing
Public Utilities Commissions

The Chisolm Legacy Project

Authors: Jacqui Patterson, Charles Hua, Vikky Angelico, Josie Karout, Jackson Koeppel, Elizabeth Mathis, Dave Pomeranz, isaac sevier, Jill Tauber

How many of us fully understand who are the entities responsible for ensuring the air we breathe

and is clean and whether the energy we use is safe? For maintaining affordable electric bills? For

providing access to resources to help us conserve energy? For ensuring that customers are not

cut off from our heat, our water, and our electricity supply?

Each state has a little-known entity that holds a significant level of responsibility for all these

aspects of our daily lives. Some states call these bodies a Public Service Commission (PSC),

while other states call it a Public Utilities Commission (PUC). (We will use the terms PSC and PUC interchangeably throughout this report.) These so-called PSCs and PUCs are composed of commissioners who hold decision making responsibilities and power over the energy and/or water resources that are generated and consumed in our communities. In some cases, the PSCs/PUCs also govern public transportation systems and telecommunications. For the

purposes of this paper, the focus will largely be on ensuring equitable and representational

governance in energy regulation.

Read the full report at the link below.