Organizational Structure - Office of the Commissioners, Utility Regulation and Research Division, Advocacy & Operations Division, Adjudication Division, Consumer Education Outreach Division

Mission

The mission of the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) is to ensure that safe, reliable, modern, and fairly-priced utility services are available throughout Connecticut.  The DPUC has primary responsibility for Connecticut’s investor-owned electric, gas, water, telecommunications and cable television companies.

During 2003-2004 the DPUC accomplished the following:

·         Effected the requirements of PA 03-135 for the Transitional Standard Offer

·         Worked with regional and federal entities regarding electric utility issues

·         Approved a mechanism to bring environmentally friendly electric power to Connecticut

·         Continued processing applications to license competitive providers of electricity

·         Pursued Consumer Education Outreach regarding electric restructuring, speaking engagements statewide and concentrated on conservation measures

·         Reviewed basic cable TV rates, renewed several CATV franchises

·         Coordinated efforts among electric utilities regarding electric capacity needs and focused on methods to reduce the possibility of shortages of electricity in southwestern CT

·         Approved a cable TV overbuild by a municipality

·         Revoked the licenses of telecommunications companies that do not comply with state requirements

·         Took steps to ensure a competitive market in the supply of natural gas to commercial/industrial customers

     The Department broadened its ability to accept electronic filings and expanded internal electronic distribution.  The DPUC continued to approve applications to increase competitive telecommunications services for intrastate toll, local exchange and pay telephone services.  The Department also continued to accept and review applications from competitive providers of electric generation services.  More than 20,000 electric utility customers have switched to a competitive provider of electricity.

     During 2003-2004, the DPUC opened 219 new dockets and reopened several more for consideration of specific issues.  It continued its gas pipeline safety/incident inspections and Call-Before-You-Dig oversight.  It also responded to more than 40,000 consumer contacts.  The DPUC maintained its commitment to affirmative action activity and to obtain parity in its workforce.