History

The first act of regulating a public utility dates back to 1843, when the Oregon Territory's provisional government took initial action. In 1876, at the recommendation of Governor L.G. Grover, utility regulation by a commission began. The Railroad Commission was created in 1907 as a three-member board, and its authority expanded to utilities and transportation with the “Public Utility Act of 1911.” 

Over time, both the number of commissioners and the scope of regulation evolved. In 1986, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure establishing a three-member, Governor-appointed commission and renaming the agency the Public Utility Commission of Oregon. In the mid-1990s, regulation of motor transportation and rail safety shifted to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

Today, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, and landline telephone utilities, along with select water companies. The agency continues to balance customer needs and utilities operations as the industry adapts to new technologies and resources.