About Us
For more than 150 years, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has played a central role in serving Oregonians. We regulation investor-owned electric utilities (Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power), natural gas utilities (Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural), landline telephone providers, and select water utilities. We also enforce electric and natural gas safety standards and help resolve utility-related disputes on behalf of Oregon residents. During emergencies, the PUC supports statewide response efforts through the Oregon Emergency Response System.
The PUC is funded through assessment on regulated utilities. Learn more in the documents below:
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:
Ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of essential utility services
Review utility costs, risks, and performance to ensure just and reasonable rates
Support customer and community choices that provide value for all
Encourage public engagement through meetings and opportunities to comment
How to Participate
Public participation is an important part of the regulatory process. Review the Division 1 General Rules to understand the process and requirements. You can:
- Submit comments on any open docket
- Attend regularly scheduled public meetings
- Petition to intervene in a docket if you represent a customer group or stakeholder
If you are an attorney from outside Oregon, please review the rule on 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.