The Department of Public Service (Department) has jurisdiction over the rates, quality of service, and overall financial management of Vermont's public utilities: electric, natural gas, private water, and telecommunications companies. The Department also regulates cable television companies, although federal law preempts the Department's authority to regulate cable rates or programming.
Additionally, the Department's regulatory authority encompasses entities that hold a certificate of public good (CPG) granted by the Public Utility Commission under §248 and §248a, regarding energy generation and telecommunications facilities; as well as the three energy efficiency utilities: Burlington Electric Department, Efficiency Vermont, and Vermont Gas.
Information about each of these can be found in the sections below.