When a utility applies to the PUC /PSC for a rate change, the PUC/PSC alerts ratepayers though legal notices to local newspapers and press releases. Practical Example of PUC/PSC Role and Opportunities for Ratepayer Engagement Therefore, the role of the NAACP leadership in engaging with and influencing the PUCs/PSCs in each state is a critical aspect of upholding civil and human rights as it relates to advocating for justice in regulating our nation's energy infrastructure. Women are vulnerable to toxins that affect reproductive systems, are typically the caretakers for people who are ill are impacted and also women are disproportionately of lower income.Many indigenous communities, for example, in Arizona and New Mexico, are situated adjacent to polluting coal plants, oil refineries, etc., but are also most likely not to have electricity.An estimated 68% of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal fired power plant.Low income communities are more likely to have water shut-offs and electricity shut offs thereby depriving them of essential services and too often resulting in dangerous circumstances through alternative heating efforts, for example.African Americans pay highest proportion of their incomes on energy than any other racial group.Elderly pay highest proportion of their often fixed incomes on energy than any other age group.Low-income communities across the board pay a high proportion of their incomes on energy.Who is most affected by how our energy is regulated and how? IMPLICATIONSĪs it stands, the combination of the demographic profile of commissioners, the ongoing rampant voter disenfranchisement, along with gerrymandering by facility owners with relationships to PUCs/PSCs, means that the people who are most impacted by polluting industries and practices have the least influence over who is making decisions and what decisions are made regarding these polluting industries and practices. Though there is variation from state to state, the overarching responsibilities of the PUCs/PSCs typically include: Setting just and reasonable utility rates and ensuring that utilities provide adequate and reliable service to customers authorizing and overseeing investments in energy resources such as power plants, reviewing and approving utility resource plans Regulating private, investor-owned natural gas, electric, telephone, water and private sewer companies and Approving new developments/facilities. This is significant, given the disproportionate location of energy production facilities in low income, communities of color, and the utility rates that they regulate have a disparate impact on women, communities of color and low income communities.
Commissioner in the 80+ year history of the PUC. In MS, which is 48% African American, there has never been an A.A. Demographics wise, the majority of the commissioners are White American, male, and mid to high wealth individuals. Many are retired or former utility company employees. PUCs/PSCs are usually anywhere from 3 to 10 commissioners who are either elected or appointed.
#POWER UTILITY COMPANIES STAKEHOLDERS UPDATE#
For example, a proposal to build or update a power plant, to invest in solar or energy efficiency, or to change customer rates generally comes before the PUCs/PSCs. These decisions include how much we pay in electricity bills, what our energy sources are, and whether new energy production facilities are approved. Public Utilities Commissions/Public Service Commissions (PUCs/PSCs) hold power over key decisions related to the energy resources that power our homes and businesses (and often pollute our air and water).
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