About Us
Celebrating more than 150 years of history, the work of the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) impacts every household throughout the state. The PUC is responsible for rate regulation of Oregon's investor-owned electric utilities (Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power), natural gas utilities (Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural), telephone service providers (landline only), as well as select water companies. The PUC also enforces electric and natural gas safety standards and handles utility-related dispute resolution on behalf of Oregon residents. In the event of an emergency, the PUC is part of the Oregon Emergency Response System to coordinate and manage state resources.
The PUC is funded by assessment of the regulated public utilities. View the documents below for additional information:
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law.
Our Vision
Our vision is to improve the lives of Oregonians through effective utility regulation and leadership in the utility sector. We serve Oregon by:
- holding utilities to high standards of performance and value
- guiding a transformation in utility services consistent with Oregon's social, environmental, and economic goals, and
- adapting regulatory processes to improve inclusion, learning, collaboration, and problem-solving
Our success depends on recruiting and retaining talented and engaged employees to provide independent analysis in support of agency decision-making. We strive to offer meaningful work, mentoring and training, and a positive workplace culture.
Our Values
Accountability: Our responsibility to serve utility customers drives us to be diligent in our work, and efficient and effective in managing financial and human resources.
Integrity: As individuals, we are honest, trustworthy, and respectful. As an organization, we use open, fair processes and independent analysis to reach informed and just decisions.
Inclusion: We strive to advance equitable access, engage diverse perspectives, promote collaboration, and recognize our impact on all communities.
Adaptability: We develop expertise and adapt our skills, our organization, and our regulatory processes and tools in order to meet rapid change in our regulated industries.
How the PUC Works for You
These rules and guidelines help the PUC to:
Ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of essential utility services
Scrutinize utility costs, risks and performance to ensure just and reasonable rates
Manage customer and community choices to ensure value for all customers
Encourage the community to be engaged and better informed on utility-related issues by participating in regular public meetings or submitting comments on topics of interest
How to Participate
The PUC recognizes the value of public participation in the utility regulatory process and encourages individuals to get involved. Review the Division 1 General Rules to better understand the process and requirements. Utility customers can submit a comment on any open docket or you can attend regularly scheduled public meetings. Select parties representing utility customer groups and other stakeholders can petition to intervene in an open docket. If you are legal counsel from outside of Oregon, please review the rule regarding appearance of attorneys Pro Hac Vice.
Meet the Commissioners
The Governor appoints three Commissioners for four-year terms to the PUC and designates one as Chair. Commissioners make all policy decisions, usually meeting twice a month to vote on items listed in the public meeting agendas. Learn more about each Commissioner.