WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE AS A CONSUMER?The PUCN Consumer Bill of Rights is designed to make it easy to obtain utility services and to keep those services on. The Bill of Rights recognizes that utilities provide vital services which must be made available to all. This Consumer Bill of Rights:

• Eliminates deposits unless customer has poor credit history

• Limits size of deposit and allows for installment payments

• Requires utilities to offer budget billing program

• Requires payment plans for needy customers

• Offers special protection for the elderly and handicapped

• Postpones service termination when health is at risk

• Provides third party notice prior to service termination

• Allows customers to apply for service via phone or mail

The PUCN has jurisdiction over utilities, but does not have jurisdiction over: municipal utilities; federal surcharges or taxes; city and/or county proposed taxes; cellular phone rates or service; telephone equipment; interstate long distance (with the exception of slamming); international long distance calling; directory advertising; cable television rates or service; internet service providers; trash collection or recycling services.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada

Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN):

Carson City: (775) 684-6100 Las Vegas: (702) 486-2600

puc.nv.gov

An Overview

WHAT IS THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF NEVADA?Established by state law in 1911, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) supervises and regulates the operation and maintenance of public utilities. It is an independent body that balances the interests of ratepayers and utilities by:

• providing customers with just and reasonable rates

• providing utilities with the opportunity to earn a fair return on their investments

Its mission is to enable universal access to affordable, efficient, safe, and reliable utility service in Nevada

WHICH UTILITIES ARE REGULATED?In general, the PUCN regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, certain aspects of local telephone service, and privately-owned water and sewer companies in Nevada.

The PUCN is also involved in monitoring gas pipelines, rail safety, and excavations near utility installations.

WHO SERVES ON THE PUCN?The PUCN consists of three Commissioners appointed by the Governor for terms of 4 years. The Governor appoints persons who have at least 2 years of experience in one or more of the following: Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or Economics, Administrative Law, Professional Engineering.

HOW IS THIS WORK DONE BY A THREE MEMBER COMMISSION?The work required to supervise and regulate utilities in Nevada, and to ensure that all decisions are based on a fair and impartial examination of the evidence, is considerable, and requires exhaustive investigation.

In addition to three Commissioners, there are numerous divisions supporting and carrying out the mission of the PUCN:

• Administration• Case Management• Business Process Services• Electronic Filings and Records Management• Computer Systems• General Counsel• Utilities Hearing Officers• Policy Analysis• Regulatory Operations• Staff Counsel• Resource and Market Analysis• Engineering• Financial Analysis• Rail Safety• Public Affairs and Consumer Education• Consumer Complaint Resolution

ISN’T THE PUCN SUPPOSED TO ADVOCATE ON MY BEHALF AS A CONSUMER?The PUCN was established by state legislation, and has a very specific and legally-defined function: to balance the interests of both ratepayers and utilities. As part of the Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Consumer Protection functions as the consumer advocate. It represents the public interest before the PUCN, as well as federal utility regulatory agencies, courts and all other forums with jurisdiction over Nevada public utilities. While it does not take on individual cases, the Bureau of Consumer Protection advocates for reliable public utility service at the lowest reasonable cost, particularly for residential and small business customers.