QUESTIONS FOR DPUC COMMISSIONER NOMINEE

Topic:
APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE; EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMS. COMMITTEE; EXECUTIVE AGENCIES; PUBLIC UTILITIES; PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATION; STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES;
Location:
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE;

OLR Research Report


March 21, 2005		2005-R-0341
QUESTIONS FOR DPUC COMMISSIONER NOMINEE

By: Kevin E. McCarthy, Principal Analyst

Department of Public Utility Control

• The department is governed by five commissioners

• Commissioners are appointed by the governor with the consent of both chambers

• The department is responsible for regulating electric, gas, water, and telephone utilities (the nominee has been responsible for water issues)

QUESTIONS

1. How can the department better coordinate its oversight of the water industry with the Departments of Environmental Protection and Public Health?

2. To what extent and how does the department encourage its staff to become familiar with issues affecting industries other than the one they are responsible for?

3. What are the major issues confronting the water industry today?

4. In light of the capital demands placed on the water industry by the Safe Drinking Water Act, should the department encourage further consolidation of water companies?

5. The department currently regulates a small number of investor owned water companies and has limited responsibilities regarding other water utilities. Should the department seek to expand its role in addressing the economics of these other utilities?

KM: ts