Overview
The Department of Public Service consists of the following divisions:
- Efficiency and Energy Resources
- Regulated Utility Planning (Planning) Division
- Engineering
- Telecommunications and Connectivity
- Finance & Economics
- Public Advocacy
- Consumer Affairs and Public Information
Below is a description of the roles and responsibilities of each division.
Efficiency & Energy Resources Division
The Division of Efficiency and Energy Resources (DEER) develops programs, policies, and plans that promote energy efficiency, electrification, clean energy financing, and sustainable energy resources in Vermont. DEER initiates, coordinates, implements, monitors, and evaluates a wide variety of programs and strategies directed at evaluating and promoting state energy policy. DEER works closely with the Planning division on the development and revision of the state's energy plans. DEER also analyzes efficiency utility proposals for performance period budgets and goals, reviews distribution utilities’ proposed Renewable Energy Standard Tier III plans, and supports litigation with technical assistance and expert witness testimony. In addition, DEER serves as the Vermont State Energy Office under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) State Energy Program.
For information on subjects related to DEER's scope, please see the following sections:
Regulated Utility Planning (Planning) Division
The Planning Division oversees statewide comprehensive energy planning and develops and advocates for policies and programs pursuant to the Comprehensive Energy Plan and least cost planning principles. The Division provides expert testimony on behalf of ratepayers before the Public Utility Commission, Legislature, and regional regulatory entities in support of innovative programs, initiatives, and infrastructure investments that equitably deliver cost-effective renewable and other energy to Vermonters, enabling affordable transitions to low- or no-emissions and least cost energy supply across the electric, transportation, and thermal sectors. The Division reviews Vermont distribution utilities’ integrated resource plans and the enhanced energy plans of the state’s regional planning commissions, and provides guidance, tools, and analysis to support these distributed planning efforts. The Planning Division also advocates for equitable and affordable electric and gas utility rates, rate designs, and rate structures that encourage innovation and evolution of the electric grid while supporting Vermonters with high energy burdens. In addition, the Planning Division houses the Clean Energy Development Fund, which aims to increase local small-scale renewable energy generation while maximizing associated economic development. In addition, the Planning Division gathers and analyzes electric-sector data and provides annual and biennial reports to the Public Utility Commission and Legislature as directed in statute.
For information on subjects related to the Planning Division's scope, please see the following sections:
Public Advocacy Division
The Public Advocacy (PA) Division represents the public interest in litigation and other proceedings before the Public Utility Commission (Commission), covering all areas of the Commission's jurisdiction. Increasingly, the PA Division participates in complex investigations involving deregulation, expanded competition, alternative regulatory plans, electric facility siting, and power purchase contracts. PA is also responsible for review of proposed utility tariff changes and special contracts, and makes recommendations to the Public Utility Commission regarding those filings. In addition to its work before the Commission, the PA Division represents the public interest in a wide variety of cases before the Vermont Supreme Court, federal district and appellate courts, and occasionally in Vermont Superior Court. PA also represents the public interest in matters before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These administrative agencies have exclusive authority over crucial utility matters such as interstate telephone, interstate transmission of gas and electricity, nuclear power plant licensing, and wholesale power sales. Representing the public interest of Vermont before these agencies has required the PA to appear in federal circuit courts in Boston, New York, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C. Cases before these courts and agencies are only a small fraction of the division's total case load, but they carry major significance.
For information on subjects related to the Public Advocacy Division's scope, please see the following sections:
Engineering Division
The Engineering Division is comprised of engineers specializing in the areas of electricity, nuclear power, natural gas and pipeline safety. The division is responsible for reviewing facility investment plans by companies in these fields and provides the Public Advocacy Division with technical analysis and expert testimony. Engineering Division staff perform inspections at certain facility sites in the state, including Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas) sites, and natural gas pipelines. The division also staffs the State Emergency Operations Center during emergencies affecting energy supplies. Additionally, the division serves as the Department of Public Service's (PSD) interface with regional reliability organizations such as the Northeast Power Coordinating Council and the New England Independent System Operator, and monitors and participates in electric market restructuring activities on behalf of the PSD.
For information on subjects related to the Engineering Division's scope, please see the following sections:
Telecommunications and Connectivity Division
The Telecommunications and Connectivity Division works to ensure that every Vermonter has access to quality, reliable, and affordable communications services. The division exercises regulatory authority over intrastate landline telephone service, rates, and quality of service; cable television service; and cell tower siting. As a regulator, the Telecommunications and Connectivity Division provides oversight of companies’ compliance with Vermont laws and Public Utility Commission orders and rules governing their operations.
Finance & Economics Section
The Finance and Economics Division advocates on behalf of the public in utility finance and economic matters before state and federal regulatory agencies. The division analyzes and evaluates the economic and financial impact of petitions submitted to the Public Utility Commission to ensure they will serve the general good of the state. Utility companies that are lightly regulated and operating in competitive markets are monitored consistent with non-regulated markets. Vermont currently has 17 electric distribution companies, 1 electric transmission company, 10 incumbent telephone companies, 1 natural gas company and many small private water companies that receive routine cost and financial performance review. Additionally the division is responsible for matters related to alternative regulation plans, rate designs, administering wholesale power purchases, and establishing financial regulatory reporting information requirements. The Finance and Economics Division is also responsible for the general business administration functions of the Department of Public Service.
For information on subjects related to the Finance and Economic Division's scope, please see the Information for Utilities links for the following sections:
Consumer Affairs & Public Information Division
The Consumer Affairs & Public Information (CAPI) Division advocates for policies that protect consumer interests; educates consumers about utility issues; and helps people reach an informal resolution of disputes with regulated utilities. CAPI also investigates complaints about the potential failure of a CPG holder to comply with the terms and conditions of a Certificate of Public Good (CPG) issued by the VT Public Utility Commission under 30 V.S.A §§ 248 or 248a.
Find more information on subjects related to the Division's scope on its Consumer Affairs and Public Information home page.
Contact Us
For our staff directory and other contact related information, please visit our Contact Us page.