HB16-1376
Expand Authority Office Of Consumer Counsel
Concerning increasing the authority of the office of consumer counsel to advocate on behalf of consumers of public utility services, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
Session:
2016 Regular Session
Subjects:
Bill Summary
Civil Law
Energy
State Government
Telecommunications & Information Technology
Transportation & Motor Vehicles
Currently, the office of consumer counsel (OCC) is authorized to intervene on behalf of customers of electric utilities and gas utilities in proceedings before the Colorado public utilities commission (PUC). The bill grants the OCC authority to speak for customers of providers of telecommunications, water, taxi and bus service, and all other services defined as public utilities under the 'Public Utilities Law', as well as customers of transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft.
The bill authorizes funding for the OCC's activities from the motor carrier fund and the telecommunications utility fund in addition to the PUC fixed utilities fund (from which funding is currently authorized) and appropriates $131,800 to the department of regulatory agencies for use by the OCC for operating expenses and legal services.
(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)
The bill authorizes funding for the OCC's activities from the motor carrier fund and the telecommunications utility fund in addition to the PUC fixed utilities fund (from which funding is currently authorized) and appropriates $131,800 to the department of regulatory agencies for use by the OCC for operating expenses and legal services.
(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)