The Beardsley Building in Salem houses offices of the Public Utility Commission. (Oregon State Archives Photo)
The Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates rates and services offered by private Oregon electric and natural gas utilities, telecommunications companies and water companies. The PUC’s mission is to “Ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality utility services at just and reasonable rates. We do this through robust and thorough analysis and independent decision-making conducted in an open and fair process.”
The PUC’s Utility Program serves as the technical and analytical arm of the agency. Its staff analyzes utility filings, helps build a factual record in contested case proceedings, investigates and recommends policy actions, inspects utility facilities and performs other responsibilities to ensure the commission can carry out its mission and serve Oregon’s utility customers.
Through the Residential Service Protection Fund, the PUC supports the state’s public policy that Oregonians have access to adequate and affordable telephone service through Oregon Relay, Oregon Telephone Assistance Program, Telecommunication Device Access Program and Emergency Medical Certificates. These programs provide assistance to low-income residents with a discount on monthly telephone service; individuals with disabilities who need adaptive telecommunications equipment to communicate effectively; Oregonians with hearing or speech disabilities who are provided the ability to place or receive calls through specially trained relay operators; and those with medical hardships who must maintain telephone service at all times.
The Policy and Administration Program consists of the three commissioners, the chief operating officer, Business Services, Commission Services, Consumer Services, Human Resources and Information Systems.
The Administrative Hearings Division conducts rulemaking and contested case hearings on issues concerning utility services. Hearings involve mergers and acquisitions, rate proposals and consumer complaints. The section also oversees records management, public records requests and agency compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
Agency Website
Information about this agency's divisions, offices, and programs.
Contact Information
Mailing Address: PO Box 1088, Salem 97308-1088
Physical Address: 201 High St SE, Suite 100, Salem 97301
Phone: 503-378-6600
Fax: 503-378-5743
Contact: Michael Dougherty, Chief Operating Officer
Legal & Legislative Information
Records & Publications
State Archives Holdings from This Agency
The following are selected abbreviated listings from the holdings of the Oregon State Archives. Additional records may be available. These records may be viewed free of charge at the State Archives Building in Salem. Copies are available for a fee.
Take the Web tour for more information about visiting or ordering copies from the Oregon State Archives.
Title: Dump Motor Carrier Formal Docket
Dates: 1972-1975
Volumes: 1
Title: Formal Orders
Dates: 1907-1950
Cubic Ft.: 3
Title: Grain Act Formal Docket
Dates: 1913-1922
Volumes: 1
Title: Grain Act Informal Docket
Dates: 1913-1922
Volumes: 1
Title: History of Natural Gas in Oregon
Dates: n.d.
Cubic Ft.: 1
Title: Legal Formal Docket
Dates: 1908-1970
Volumes: 3
Title: Log Boom Companies Formal Cases
Dates: ca. 1936-1956
Cubic Ft.: 5
Title: Log Boom Formal Docket
Dates: ca. 1917-1936
Volumes: 2
Title: Log Motor Carrier Formal Docket
Dates: 1962-1975
Volumes: 6
Title: Motor Carrier Application Docket
Dates: 1922
Volumes: 1
Title: Motor Carrier Formal Action Docket
Dates: 1922-1975
Volumes: 16
Title: Motor Carrier Formal Docket
Dates: 1946-1975
Volumes: 7
Title: Motor Carrier Tariff Docket Files
Dates: 1965-1976
Cubic Ft.: 4
Title: Motor Transportation Act Rulings
Dates: 1939-1943
Cubic Ft.: .25
Title: Rail Crossing Formal Docket
Dates: 1961-1975
Volumes: 2
Title: Rail Formal Docket
Dates: 1907-1975
Volumes: 7
Title: Rail Informal Docket
Dates: 1907-1967
Volumes: 12
Title: Rail Track Impairment Formal Docket
Dates: 1959-1975
Volumes: 1
Title: Railroad Commission Proceedings
Dates: 1887-1898
Volumes: 2
Title: Utility Formal Docket
Dates: 1912-1975
Volumes: 9
Title: Utility Informal Complaint Docket
Dates: 1912-1928
Volumes: 4
Title: Water Carriers: Commissioner's Records
Dates: 1949-1960
Cubic Ft.: .5