State Regulatory in United States

Note: see State Regulatory Policy in this encyclopedia.

State Regulatory Boards and Offices

Note: see State Regulatory Agencies in this encyclopedia for further information.
State public service and utilities commissions regulate businesses that provide telephone, cable communications, electricity, gas, oil and other utilities, with the aim of providing consumer protection to the state’s citizens. These agencies:

• Administer lifeline policies that provide low-cost telecommunications and energy rates for needy families
• Are responsible for keeping rates under control
• Encourage competition, technological advances and fiscal responsibility among providers
• Ensure customer satisfaction in urban and rural areas
• A few regulate water, waste, grain, manufactured housing, real estate, and motor carriers

These agencies hear citizen or business complaints about current services and public hearings for proposed services.

Visitors to these web sites may find:

• Rules and regulations governing public utilities
• Reports and statistics
• Calendars of meetings and public hearings
• Tariff information
• Lists of regulated companies
• Information on alternative or renewable energy

Other agencies in state government (including secretaries of state, attorneys general, human services and departments of commerce) regulate businesses, professional licensing, charities, and elections.