The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) is a national, not-for-profit organization that represents the interests of the State Public Service Commissioners. For 123 years, NARUC has worked to insure that utilities provide reliable service at reasonable rates, as determined by state public utility commissions and as required by law. NARUC is a powerful organization, with a strong voice in the nation’s energy policies.
NARUC’s National Role
The association also represents state utility interests before the federal government’s three branches by issuing policy statements, by serving as witnesses before congressional committees and through policy briefings for House and Senate staff. NARUC files pleadings and briefs before federal courts as well, including the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, NARUC confers with federal regulatory commissions, representing state perspectives.
NARUC Commissioners
All fifty states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are represented by NARUC members. NARUC state commissioners are either elected or appointed by the state. Most are appointees. Only 14 commissioners are elected. Although NARUC is intended to be a non-partisan institution, of the 256 commissioners, the political affiliation for 125 commissioners are listed as “unknown.” The remainder are listed as 64 Democrats, 64 Republicans and 4 Independents. There are 175 males commissioners and 81 female commissioners.
Legal Mandates for NARUC
NARUC is mandated by law to ensure the utilities are built and serviced to meet legal regulations. NARUC is required by law to ensure the services are provided at rates that are deemed reasonable and fair to all consumers.
As representatives of state public utility commissions, NARUC policies sometimes conflict with federal policies. Most recently, federal agencies have sought to find a solution for the nation’s store of nuclear waste. NARUC’s stance is that the federal government is responsible for providing a solution rather than individual states.