Present Duties
The Public Utility Commission is located in the Beardsley Building in Salem. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
The Public Utility Commission (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. The PUC is part of the Oregon Emergency Response System to help coordinate and manage state resources.
It also provides programs to assist Oregonians with access to PUC-regulated telecommunications programs and utilities. Decisions are made by the three governor-appointed commissioners during regularly scheduled public meetings.
Information about this agency's divisions, offices, and programs.
Contact Information
Mailing Address: PO Box 1088, Salem 97308
Legal & Legislative Information
Statutory Authority: ORS Chapters
756.014
Annual Utility Statistics Book – data relating to the sales and customers of Oregon’s electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and regulated water utilities. 1970-present
Agenda and Minutes of the Oregon Utility Safety Committee (OUSC) – sponsored by the PUC, the OUSC brings together industry representatives to address utility safety issues