Date: 01/29/2015
Final
Presentation by the Public Utilities Commission
COMMITTEE ON JOINT TRANSPORTATION
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11:21 AM -- Presentation by the Public Utilities Commission
Doug Dean, Director, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), introduced himself to the committee and distributed a handout (Attachment D). He gave an overview of the commissioners on the PUC and discussed their responsibilities. He said that the PUC's five areas of responsibility are:
150129 AttachD.pdf
- operating authority;
- rates;
- service;
- safety; and
- infrastructure.
Mr. Dean introduced staff from the different PUC sections, including the following:
- policy advisors;
- regulatory and legal affairs;
- administrative support;
- economics;
- telecommunications;
- transportation and administration;
- administrative hearings;
- gas pipeline safety; and
- rail and transit safety.
Mr. Dean discussed the PUC's oversight authority of limousines, taxis, and the safety of the light rail system. He also commented on budgetary challenges related to actions at the federal level, such as funding from the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and federal court cases concerning electric utility rates. Mr. Dean answered questions from the committee regarding how court decisions on electric utility rates affected rate payers near Pueblo. He said that the PUC could not force Excel Energy to sell electricity to Pueblo. Committee discussion ensued.
11:55 AM
Ron Jack, Section Chief of Operations of the PUC, answered questions from the committee regarding the regulation of towing charges. Mr. Dean answered questions regarding the Office of the Consumer Counsel and changes in rates.
12:02 PM
The committee adjourned.