Established under Title 30 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, the Commission exercises quasi-judicial oversight of electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and private water companies.
The Commission also serves as the franchising authority for cable television systems in Vermont.
[1] In addition, the Commission reviews environmental and economic impacts of proposals to purchase energy supply or build new energy facilities; monitors the safety of hydroelectric dams; evaluates the financial aspects of nuclear plant decommissioning and radioactive waste storage; reviews rates paid to independent power producers; and oversees the statewide Energy Efficiency Utility programs.
The Commission's office is located at 112 State Street in Montpelier, Vermont.
[6] The new name more clearly reflects its existing statutory responsibilities and clarifies the difference between the Commission and the separate state agency known as the Vermont Public Service Department.