[1] The regulatory framework underwent several changes in subsequent years, including the expansion of the board's composition and powers, eventually evolving into the Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners in 1885.
[2] This entity would serve as the predecessor to the MPUC, acquiring additional oversight duties like regulating telephone rates in 1915[3] and natural gas and electric utilities in 1974.
Today, the MPUC’s scope has been further broadened to include responsibilities like the siting and permitting of large electric generating plants and transmission lines, as defined by legislation passed in 2005.
The commission reviews applications and grants approvals based on various criteria, including the company's financial stability and technical capability.
It reviews and approves plans submitted by utility companies that outline how they intend to meet state environmental goals.