Vermont Public Utility Commission facts for kids
The Vermont Public Utility Commission is a special group in Vermont that helps make sure important services work well for everyone. It used to be called the Vermont Public Service Board. This group checks on companies that provide things like electricity, natural gas, phone service, and water. They make sure these companies offer good service and charge fair prices.
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What Does the Commission Do?
The Commission has several important jobs to help people in Vermont. It acts like a judge for these services.
Making Sure Services are Fair
The Commission checks the prices, called "rates," that companies charge for electricity, natural gas, and phone services. They also make sure the quality of these services is good. This means they look at how well the companies are run financially.
Looking at Energy Projects
The Commission also reviews plans for new energy projects. This includes looking at how buying new energy or building new power plants might affect the environment and the economy. They also check the safety of dams that make electricity.
Other Important Tasks
- They oversee cable television systems in Vermont.
- They look at the money side of taking apart nuclear power plants safely.
- They check the prices paid to smaller companies that produce their own power.
- They supervise programs that help people save energy across the state.
Who Works at the Commission?
The Commission is made up of three main people: a Chairman and two Commissioners.
How Leaders are Chosen
These leaders are first suggested by a special board. Then, the Governor of Vermont chooses them. After that, the Vermont Senate must agree to their appointment. They serve for six years, with their terms ending at different times.
Where is the Office?
The Commission's office is in Montpelier, Vermont, the capital city of Vermont.
Why Did the Name Change?
The name of the group changed in 2017. It used to be called the Public Service Board. On July 1, 2017, it became the Public Utility Commission. This new name helps everyone understand more clearly what the group does. It also helps people know the difference between this Commission and another state group called the Vermont Public Service Department.
