Utility Regulation Generally

ORS 757.009
Procedure for reregulation of furnishers of heat

(1)

Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the Public Utility Commission may, upon written complaint or upon the commission’s own motion, regulate, under ORS 757.205 (Filing schedules with commission) to 757.240 (Filing schedules in business office), or any part thereof, any person otherwise exempt from regulation under ORS 757.005 (Definition of public utility) (1)(b)(E) as follows:

(a)

With respect to any or all customers, if the commission finds that the activities of such person have an adverse effect upon the customers of public utilities furnishing electricity or natural gas and the benefits of such regulation outweigh any adverse effect on the public generally; or

(b)

With respect to any customer receiving service not exceeding 500 million British thermal units per year or any residential customer, if the commission finds that such person has engaged in unjust or unreasonable practices with respect to the services or rates available to the customer and the customer has no reasonable alternative to the services provided.

(2)

The commission shall not regulate persons under subsection (1)(a) of this section with respect to contracts that became effective prior to the date of service of the complaint or with respect to heating systems already in place on the date of service of the complaint if the commission determines that continued expansion will increase the efficiency of those systems. [1989 c.999 §§4b,4d; 2003 c.82 §6]
Chapter 757

Notes of Decisions

Under regulatory scheme, Public Utility Commissioner has authority to promulgate rule limiting telephone company's liability for directory listing errors or omissions. Garrison v. Pacific NW Bell, 45 Or App 523, 608 P2d 1206 (1980)

Refund is proper exercise of Public Utility Commission's general powers if refund (1) is based only on information in existence at time of rate order for which refund is being made; (2) is not based on evaluation of public utility's actual expenses or revenues; and (3) is not effectuated by offsetting future rates. Gearhart v. Public Utility Commission, 255 Or App 58, 299 P3d 533 (2013), aff'd 356 Or 216, 339 P3d 904 (2014)

Atty. Gen. Opinions

Authority of Governor and Public Utility Commissioner to enter into binding agreements with respect to uniform curtailment plans, (1977) Vol 38, p 861

Source

Last accessed
Jun. 26, 2021

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