Public Utility Commissions

Explore your Public Utility Commission by State

Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) in the United States

Each state in the United States, including Washington, D.C., has a Public Utility Commission (PUC) or an equivalent authority responsible for regulating utilities such as electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications.

These commissions ensure that services are provided safely, efficiently, and fairly. Below is a list of each state’s PUC with a direct link to their official website for more detailed information.

What is a Public Utility Commission?

PUCs, also known as Utility Regulatory Commissions (URCs) or Public Service Commissions (PSCs), are regulatory agencies that oversee utility companies to ensure fair pricing, reliable services, and adherence to state and federal regulations.

These commissions operate in regulated and deregulated markets, influencing everything from pricing to service quality.

In regulated markets, PUCs directly set the rates utilities can charge customers, ensuring the prices are fair and reflect the cost of services.

In deregulated markets, while PUCs do not set rates directly, they oversee the operation of energy suppliers and manage infrastructure fees, promoting a competitive environment that benefits consumers.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

For a deeper dive into the federal oversight of energy markets, our detailed article on FERC explains how this federal body regulates interstate electricity transactions and wholesale electricity markets, complementing state-level regulations. FERC ensures the national energy market runs efficiently, fostering fair competition and protecting consumers from market manipulation.

Consumer Energy Choice Programs

In many states, deregulated markets offer consumers the power to choose their energy providers, thanks to programs like Texas’s Power to Choose and Ohio’s Apples to Apples.

Consumer Energy Choice Programs provide platforms to compare providers based on rates, services, and customer reviews, enabling informed decisions and potential cost savings.

For Texas residents, our in-depth article on Power to Choose offers valuable insights into navigating the state’s deregulated electricity market and finding the best plan for your needs. The Texas Power to Choose program is such by the Texas Public Utility Commission.

Public Utility Commissions by State

Every state in the U.S., including Washington, D.C., has a Public Utility Commission or an equivalent authority. These bodies ensure utility services are provided under fair, safe, and efficient conditions.

List of PUCs in Regulated States

This list covers the states where energy markets are regulated, and consumers cannot choose their energy provider.

  1. Alabama Public Service Commission
  2. Alaska Regulatory Commission
  3. Arizona Corporation Commission
  4. Arkansas Public Service Commission
  5. Colorado Public Utilities Commission
  6. Florida Public Service Commission
  7. Georgia Public Service Commission
  8. Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
  9. Idaho Public Utilities Commission
  10. Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
  11. Iowa Utilities Board
  12. Kansas Corporation Commission
  13. Kentucky Public Service Commission
  14. Louisiana Public Service Commission
  15. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  16. Mississippi Public Service Commission
  17. Missouri Public Service Commission
  18. Nebraska Public Service Commission
  19. Nevada Public Utilities Commission
  20. North Carolina Utilities Commission
  21. North Dakota Public Service Commission
  22. Oklahoma Corporation Commission
  23. Oregon Public Utility Commission
  24. South Carolina Public Service Commission
  25. South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
  26. Tennessee Public Utility Commission
  27. Utah Public Service Commission
  28. Vermont Public Utility Commission
  29. West Virginia Public Service Commission
  30. Wisconsin Public Service Commission
  31. Wyoming Public Service Commission

Check out Electricity Rates by State for a more detailed breakdown of electricity rates and plans in your state. You’ll find comprehensive information on average electricity rates throughout the United States.

List of PUCs in Deregulated States

This list covers the states where energy markets are deregulated, providing more options for consumers to choose their energy providers.

Each link directs you to the state’s official Public Utility Commission or equivalent regulatory authority, where you can find comprehensive resources and information on utility regulation and consumer rights.

  1. California Public Utilities Commission
  2. Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
  3. Delaware Public Service Commission
  4. Illinois Commerce Commission
  5. Maine Public Utilities Commission
  6. Maryland Public Service Commission
  7. Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
  8. Michigan Public Service Commission
  9. Montana Public Service Commission
  10. New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
  11. New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
  12. New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
  13. New York Public Service Commission
  14. Ohio Public Utilities Commission
  15. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
  16. Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
  17. Texas Public Utility Commission
  18. Virginia State Corporation Commission
  19. Washington, D.C. Public Service Commission

The Power of Knowledge

Knowledge is your greatest asset in the complex world of utility regulations and consumer rights. Understanding the role of Public Utility Commissions and staying informed about your state’s energy market can help you make confident, informed decisions about your utility services.