Utility Regulation Generally

ORS 757.039
Regulation of hazardous substance distribution and storage operations

  • cooperation with federal agencies
  • disclosure of reports and information

(1)

As used in this section, “hazardous substance or material” means:

(a)

Fuel gas, whether in a gaseous, liquid or semisolid state;

(b)

Petroleum or petroleum products; and

(c)

Any other substance or material which may pose an unreasonable risk to life or property when transported by pipeline facilities.

(2)

The Public Utility Commission has power, after a hearing had upon the commission’s own motion or upon complaint, to require by general or special orders embodying reasonable rules, every person or municipality, their agents, lessees or acting trustees or receivers, appointed by court, engaged in the management, operation, ownership or control of facilities for the transmission or distribution of a hazardous substance or material by pipeline; or of facilities for the storage or treatment of a hazardous substance or material to be transmitted or distributed by pipeline or upon the public streets or highways; or of any other premises used, whether leased, owned or controlled by them, to construct, maintain and operate every pipeline, plant, system, equipment or apparatus used in the transmission, distribution, storage or treatment of a hazardous substance or material to be transmitted by pipeline or upon the public streets or highways in such manner as to protect and safeguard the health and safety of all employees, customers and the public, and to this end to adopt and prescribe the installation, use, maintenance and operation of appropriate safety or other devices, or appliances, to establish or adopt standards of construction or equipment, and to require the performance of any other act which seems to the commission necessary or proper for the protection of the health and safety of all employees, customers or the public.

(3)

The commission is authorized to cooperate with, make certifications to and enter into agreements with the Secretary of Transportation of the United States of America and to assume responsibility for, and carry out on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation, safety jurisdiction relating to pipeline facilities and transportation of hazardous substances and materials in Oregon in any manner not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of any other agency of this state.

(4)

Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, the commission shall make public such reports as are required to be made public under applicable federal law and regulations and provide such information as is required by the Secretary of Transportation.

(5)

The jurisdiction of the commission over propane, butane or mixtures of these gases shall be limited to systems transporting such gases to 10 or more customers, or to systems any portion of which is located in a public place. [Formerly 757.095; 1983 c.540 §3; 2001 c.35 §1]
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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