House of Representatives

SB 1101

residential utility consumer office; functions

Sponsors: Senators Mitchell, Blanchard, Solomon: Hamilton et al

DP	Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology
X	Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
	Committee on Counties and Municipalities
	Committee on Appropriations
	Caucus and COW
	Third Read
	As Passed the House

Allows the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) to represent residential utility consumers at regulatory hearings before federal regulatory agencies and commissions where rates are established and federal court proceedings involving rates, tariffs, changes or terms of service, and requires the Director of RUCO to adopt a consumer outreach and education program.

Current Status

SB 1101 passed the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology unamended.

History

RUCO was established in 1983 to serves as an advocate for residential consumers of public utilities in rate hearings before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).

Thirty-nine other states and the District of Columbia have similar utility ratepayer advocate offices. Of the 40 advocate offices, 33 have authority to represent ratepayers before federal agencies, commissions and courts, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

RUCO currently does not have the statutory authority to represent residential utility consumers before federal agencies, commissions and courts.

Provisions

· Allows RUCO to represent residential utility consumers at regulatory hearings before federal regulatory agencies and commissions.

· Allows the Director, in consultation with the Governor, to represent and appeal for residential consumers at proceedings before federal regulatory agencies and commissions.

· Prohibits the Director from participating in federal proceedings that involve a member-owned nonprofit cooperative corporation.

· Requires the Director to adopt a consumer outreach and education program.

· Allows the Director to present information relating to the education program.

· Makes conforming changes.

Amendments

SB 1101 passed the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology unamended.

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45th Legislature

Second Regular Session 2 April 4, 2002

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