ORS § 757.533 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.533
757.533 Emissions standard-based restrictions on long-term financial commitments by consumer-owned utilities
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A governing board of a consumer-owned utility may not enter into a long-term financial commitment unless the baseload electricity acquired under the commitment is produced by a generating facility that complies with a greenhouse gas emissions standard established under ORS 757.528 (Greenhouse gas emissions standard applicable to consumer-owned utilities) .

(b) A generating facility complies with the greenhouse gas emissions standard established under ORS 757.528 (Greenhouse gas emissions standard applicable to consumer-owned utilities) if the rate of emissions of the facility does not exceed the emissions standard.

(c) In determining whether a generating facility complies with the emissions standard, the total emissions associated with producing baseload electricity at the generating facility shall be included in determining the rate of emissions of greenhouse gases. The total emissions associated with producing electricity at the generating facility do not include emissions associated with transportation, fuel extraction or other life-cycle emissions associated with obtaining the fuel for the facility.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the emissions standard does not apply to greenhouse gas emissions produced by a generating facility owned by a consumer-owned utility or contracted through a long-term financial commitment if the emissions:

(a) Come from a facility powered exclusively by renewable energy sources described in ORS 469A.025 (Renewable energy sources) ;

(b) Come from a cogeneration facility in this state that is fueled by natural gas, synthetic gas, distillate fuels, waste gas or a combination of these fuels, and that is producing energy, in service for tax purposes, commercially operable, or in rates as of July 1, 2010, until the facility is subject to a new long-term financial commitment; or

(c) Come from a generating facility that has in place a plan to be a low-carbon emission resource, as determined by the State Department of Energy, pursuant to sufficient technical documentation, within seven years of commencing plant operations.

(3) The governing board may provide an exemption for an individual generating facility from the emissions performance standard to address:

(a) Unanticipated electricity system reliability needs;

(b) Catastrophic events or threat of significant financial harm that may arise from unforeseen circumstances; or

(c) Long-term financial commitments between members of a joint operating entity recognized under federal law or the joint operating entity’s predecessor organization, or with the joint operating entity for a baseload resource that the consumer-owned utility had an ownership interest in prior to July 1, 2010.

(4) A governing board shall report to the consumer-owned utility’s customers or members and to the State Department of Energy information on any case-by-case exemption from the emissions performance standard granted by the governing board.

(5) For purposes of ORS 757.522 (Definitions for ORS 757.522 to 757.536) to 757.536 (Public Utility Commission review of plans and rates to ensure compliance with greenhouse gas emissions standard) , a long-term financial commitment for a consumer-owned utility does not include agreements to purchase electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration.

(6) The department by rule shall establish:

(a) Standards for identifying contracts for electricity for which the emissions cannot readily be determined with any specificity; and

(b) Emissions to be attributed to such contracts for purposes of determining compliance with the emissions standard established under ORS 757.528 (Greenhouse gas emissions standard applicable to consumer-owned utilities) . [2009 c.751 §5]

Note: See note under 757.522 (Definitions for ORS 757.522 to 757.536) .

Source: Section 757.533 — Emissions standard-based restrictions on long-term financial commitments by consumer-owned utilities; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.410 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.410
757.410 When issuance of securities is void
Status: in_force

All stocks and bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, and any security of a public utility shall be void when issued:

(1) Without an order of the Public Utility Commission authorizing the same then in effect except as provided in ORS 757.412 (Exemption from securities regulation) or 757.415 (Purposes for which securities and notes may be issued) (3).

(2) With the authorization of the commission, but not conforming in its provisions to the provisions, if any, which it is required by the order of authorization of the commission to contain; but no failure to comply with the terms or conditions of the order of authorization of the commission and no informality or defect in the application or in the proceedings in connection therewith or with the issuance of such order shall render void any stock or bond, note or other evidence of indebtedness, or security issued pursuant to and in substantial conformity with an order of the commission, except as to a person taking the same otherwise than in good faith and for value and without actual notice. [Amended by 1997 c.261 §1]

Source: Section 757.410 — When issuance of securities is void , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.380 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.380
759.380 Purchase of stock or property of another utility
Status: in_force

(1) No telecommunications utility shall, directly or indirectly, purchase, acquire or become the owner of any of the stocks or bonds or property utilized for utility purposes and having a value in excess of $10,000 of any other public utility or telecommunications utility unless authorized to do so by the Public Utility Commission.

(2) Every contract by any telecommunications utility for the purchase, acquisition, assignment or transfer to it of any of the stock of any other telecommunications utility by or through any person, partnership or corporation without the approval of the commission shall be void and of no effect, and no such transfer or assignment of such stock upon the books of the corporation pursuant to any such contract is effective for any purpose. [1987 c.447 §42]

Source: Section 759.380 — Purchase of stock or property of another utility , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.053 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.053
757.053 Alternative means for meeting energy conservation requirements
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the specific requirements imposed on an electric company by ORS 469.631 (Definitions for ORS 469.631 to 469.645) to 469.645 (Implementation of program by investor-owned utility) and 469.860 (Definitions for ORS 469.860 to 469.900) to 469.900 (Duty of commission to avoid conflict with federal requirements) , an electric company meets the requirements of ORS 469.631 (Definitions for ORS 469.631 to 469.645) to 469.645 (Implementation of program by investor-owned utility) and 469.860 (Definitions for ORS 469.860 to 469.900) to 469.900 (Duty of commission to avoid conflict with federal requirements) if the electric company:

(1) Meets the public purpose expenditure standard established under ORS 757.612 (Requirements for public purpose expenditures) ; and

(2) Plans for and pursues cost-effective energy efficiency and demand response resources as required under ORS 757.054 (Cost-effective energy efficiency resources and demand response resources) . [2021 c.547 §7]

Source: Section 757.053 — Alternative means for meeting energy conservation requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.045 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.045
759.045 Special rules for utilities exempted from regulation under ORS 759.040
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission shall adopt specific rules to apply to telecommunications utilities which are exempted from certain regulation under ORS 759.040 (Exemptions for certain unaffiliated utilities with fewer than 50,000 access lines) . An objective of these rules shall be to minimize the regulatory burden on these utilities to the extent this objective is feasible and consistent with the public interest. These rules shall not pertain to the statutes from which these utilities are exempted under ORS 759.040 (Exemptions for certain unaffiliated utilities with fewer than 50,000 access lines) . [1991 c.658 §2]

Source: Section 759.045 — Special rules for utilities exempted from regulation under ORS 759.040 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.090 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.090
756.090 Maintaining and producing records
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission may require by rule, or by order or subpoena to be served on any public utility or telecommunications utility the maintaining within this state or the production within this state at such time and place as the commission may designate, of any books, accounts, papers or records kept by such public utility or telecommunications utility in any office or place within or without this state, or verified copies in lieu thereof, if the commission so orders, in order that an examination thereof may be made by the commission or under direction of the commission.

(2) When a public utility or telecommunications utility keeps and maintains its books, accounts, papers or records outside the state, the commission may examine such documents and shall be reimbursed by the public utility or telecommunications utility for all expenses incurred in making such out-of-state examination. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §19; 1973 c.776 §21; 1987 c.447 §81; 1995 c.733 §58]

Source: Section 756.090 — Maintaining and producing records; expenses of examining out-of-state records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.235 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.235
759.235 Mandatory measured service rate
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission shall be prohibited from requiring any call aggregator, telephone customer or class of customers to pay for local exchange telephone service, or any portion thereof, on a mandatory measured service basis.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Call aggregator” has the meaning given that term in ORS 759.680 (Operator service provider duties to service users) .

(b) “Measured service” means charging for local exchange telephone service based upon number of calls, length of calls, distance, time of day, or any combination thereof.

(3) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the commission from requiring telephone customers to pay on a mandatory measured service basis for:

(a) Land, marine, or air mobile service.

(b) Local exchange telephone service resold at a profit.

(4) The commission shall not change boundaries of local exchange service areas nor take any other actions if such changes or actions have the effect of circumventing subsections (1) and (2) of this section. [Formerly 757.840; 1997 c.317 §1]

Source: Section 759.235 — Mandatory measured service rate; prohibition , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.730 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.730
759.730 Unauthorized changes in telecommunications carriers (“slamming”)
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission may by rule assume primary responsibility for resolving consumer complaints relating to changes in a consumer’s telecommunications carrier, as defined in ORS 759.400 (Definitions for ORS 759.400 to 759.455) , in violation of federal laws, federal regulations or Federal Communications Commission orders.

(2) If the Public Utility Commission assumes primary responsibility for resolving consumer complaints relating to changes in a consumer’s telecommunications carrier under this section, the commission shall by rule:

(a) Establish a complaint process for consumers who have had changes in telecommunications carriers;

(b) Establish a process for investigating complaints under this section; and

(c) Establish appropriate remedies for consumers who have had changes in telecommunications carriers in violation of federal laws, federal regulations or Federal Communications Commission orders.

(3) Rules adopted by the Public Utility Commission under this section must be consistent with federal laws, federal regulations and Federal Communications Commission orders relating to resolution of consumer complaints arising out of changes in telecommunications carriers, and may not impose more stringent conditions or penalties for changes in telecommunications carriers than the conditions and penalties imposed by federal laws, federal regulations or Federal Communications Commission orders for changes in telecommunications carriers.

(4) The Public Utility Commission may not adopt rules under this section that are applicable to radio common carriers.

(5) Nothing in this section affects the ability of the Attorney General to seek remedies under ORS 336.184 (Oregon Student Information Protection Act) and 646.605 (Definitions for ORS 336.184 and 646.605 to 646.652) to 646.652 (District attorney’s reports to Attorney General) to the extent that an unauthorized change in telecommunications carriers constitutes an unlawful practice under ORS 336.184 (Oregon Student Information Protection Act) and 646.605 (Definitions for ORS 336.184 and 646.605 to 646.652) to 646.652 (District attorney’s reports to Attorney General) . [2003 c.642 §2]

Source: Section 759.730 — Unauthorized changes in telecommunications carriers (“slamming”); rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.555 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.555
756.555 Powers of commission at hearings
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission may administer oaths, certify to official acts, issue notices in the name of the commission, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents and testimony, and take and receive testimony, conduct hearings and investigations, whether upon complaint or upon the commission’s own motion. [Formerly 757.555]

Source: Section 756.555 — Powers of commission at hearings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.610 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.610
756.610 Judicial review
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, final orders of the Public Utility Commission are subject to judicial review as orders under the provisions of ORS 183.480 (Judicial review of agency orders) to 183.497 (Awarding costs and attorney fees when finding for petitioner) .

(b) Binding rulings issued under ORS 756.450 (Declaratory rulings) are subject to review in the Court of Appeals in the manner provided in ORS 183.480 (Judicial review of agency orders) for the review of orders in contested cases.

(2) ORS 183.482 (Jurisdiction for review of contested cases) (3) does not apply to judicial review of an order of the Public Utility Commission. At any time after filing a petition for judicial review of a final order of the commission in a contested case, the petitioner may apply to the Court of Appeals for a stay of the order until the final disposition of the appeal. The court may grant a stay for cause shown. As a condition of granting a stay, the court may require a bond or other security, or impose such other conditions as the court deems appropriate. A stay may be granted only after notice to the commission and opportunity for hearing. Any bond required by the court must be executed in favor of the commission for the benefit of interested persons, and may be enforced by the commission or by any interested person.

(3) An order of the Public Utility Commission related to the petition for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under ORS 758.015 (Certificate of public convenience and necessity) , where the petitioner also seeks approval from the Energy Facility Siting Council for the proposed transmission line, is subject to judicial review as provided in ORS 758.017 (Appeal of grant or denial of certificate of public convenience and necessity for transmission lines subject to Energy Facility Siting Council approval) . [Amended by 1971 c.655 §62; 2003 c.576 §559; 2005 c.638 §6; 2013 c.335 §4; 2017 c.312 §3]

Source: Section 756.610 — Judicial review , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 774.010 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 774 / Section 774.010
774.010 Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, except as otherwise specifically provided or unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Board” means the Citizens’ Utility Board of Governors.

(2) “Consumer” or “utility consumer” means any natural person 18 years of age or older who is a resident of the State of Oregon.

(3) “District” means an electoral district for members of the Citizens’ Utility Board of Governors.

(4) “Member” means a member of the Citizens’ Utility Board.

(5) “Utility” means any utility regulated by the Public Utility Commission pursuant to ORS chapters 757 and 759, which furnishes electric, telephone, gas or heating service. However, “utility” does not include any municipality, cooperative, or people’s utility district. [1985 c.1 §2; 1987 c.447 §102]

Source: Section 774.010 — Definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors774.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.215 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.215
759.215 Public access to schedules
Status: in_force

(1) A copy of so much of all schedules, including schedules of joint rates and charges, as the Public Utility Commission deems necessary for the use of the public, shall be made available to the public.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 759.410 (Intent of ORS 759.410) (8), copies of all new schedules shall be made readily accessible to the public as required by the commission 30 days prior to the time the schedules are to take effect, unless the commission prescribes a shorter time. [1987 c.447 §18; 2005 c.232 §19]

Source: Section 759.215 — Public access to schedules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.661 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.661
757.661 Commission authority to require filing
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission may require an electric company to make any filings under this chapter that the commission determines necessary to implement ORS 757.600 (Definitions for ORS 757.600 to 757.687) to 757.667 (City authority over rights of way) . [1999 c.865 §20]

Source: Section 757.661 — Commission authority to require filing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.125 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.125
757.125 Duty of utility to keep records and accounts
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission shall prescribe the accounts and records required to be kept, and every public utility is required to keep and render its accounts and records accurately and faithfully in the manner prescribed by the commission and to comply with all directions of the commission relating to such accounts and records.

(2) No public utility shall keep any other accounts or records of its public utility business transacted than those prescribed or approved by the commission except such as may be required by the laws of the United States.

(3) The commission shall cause to be prepared suitable blanks for reports for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, and shall, when necessary, furnish such blanks for reports to each public utility. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §86]

Source: Section 757.125 — Duty of utility to keep records and accounts; duty of commission to furnish blanks , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 758.315 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 758 / Section 758.315
758.315 Water utility service provided by persons not designated by commission
Status: in_force

In the event a designated exclusive service territory is served by a person not authorized by the Public Utility Commission, the commission or the water utility designated by the commission to serve the area may file an action for injunctive relief in the circuit court for any county where some or all of the designated service territory is located. The action shall proceed as in an action not triable by right to a jury. Any party to the action may appeal to the Court of Appeals from the trial court’s order. An injunction ordered under this section shall be in addition to any other remedy provided by law. [1999 c.695 §7]

Note: See note under 758.300 (Definitions for ORS 758.300 to 758.320) .

Source: Section 758.315 — Water utility service provided by persons not designated by commission; remedy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors758.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.960 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.960
757.960 Commission to convene workshops
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission shall periodically convene workshops for the purpose of helping public utilities that provide electricity, municipal electric utilities, people’s utility districts organized under ORS chapter 261 that sell electricity, electric cooperatives organized under ORS chapter 62 and operators of electrical transmission and distribution systems to develop and share information for the identification, adoption and carrying out of best practices regarding wildfires, including, but not limited to, risk-based wildfire protection and risk-based wildfire mitigation procedures and standards. [2021 c.592 §2]

Source: Section 757.960 — Commission to convene workshops; wildfire protection and mitigation best practices , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.518 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.518
756.518 Procedures applicable to all matters before commission
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided the provisions of ORS 756.500 (Complaint) to 756.610 (Judicial review) apply to and govern all hearings upon any matter or issue coming before the Public Utility Commission under any statute administered by the commission, whether instituted on the application, petition or complaint of others or initiated by the commission, together with the orders of the commission therein and the review thereof in the courts.

(2) Upon request of any party in a major proceeding before the commission, the commission shall afford the parties an opportunity for oral argument before a final order is issued. There must be a quorum of the commission present at the time the oral argument is made. The commission shall adopt rules that establish criteria for determining which proceedings give rise to a right to oral argument under this subsection. In addition, the commission may adopt rules governing participation in oral arguments, cross-examination of witnesses, draft or proposed orders or such other matters as the commission deems appropriate. [Formerly 756.510; 2001 c.558 §3]

Source: Section 756.518 — Procedures applicable to all matters before commission; oral hearing; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 772.405 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 772 / Section 772.405
772.405 Condemnation by corporations for reduction of ores
Status: in_force

(1) Every corporation organized for the construction and operation of mills, smelters and other works for the reduction of ores authorized to do business within the state may condemn lands and property for the discharge and natural distribution of smoke, fumes and dust from such works in the manner provided by ORS chapter 35.

(2) The use of lands by such corporation for the purpose of the discharge and natural distribution of smoke, fumes and dust from any such mill, smelter or other works for the reduction of ores, under the conditions prescribed in this section hereby is declared to be a public use.

(3) The right of eminent domain shall not be exercised by such corporation:

(a) Beyond a radius of four miles from such mill, smelter or other works for the reduction of ores.

(b) On any land situated within a radius of five miles of the corporate limits of any city in the state.

(c) Until after such corporation has acquired the right to use 50 percent of the area of the lands within a radius of four miles from the mill, smelter or other works for the reduction of ores.

Source: Section 772.405 — Condemnation by corporations for reduction of ores , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors772.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 772.510 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 772 / Section 772.510
772.510 Right of entry and condemnation by pipeline companies
Status: in_force

(1) Any pipeline company that is a common carrier and that is regulated as to its rates or practices by the United States or any agency thereof, may enter in the manner provided by ORS 35.220 (Precondemnation entry on real property) upon lands within this state outside the boundaries of incorporated cities.

(2) This right may be exercised for the purpose of examining, surveying and locating a route for any pipeline, but it shall not be done so as to create unnecessary damage.

(3) These pipeline companies may appropriate and condemn such lands, or easements thereon or thereover, in such width as is reasonably necessary to accomplish their pipeline company purposes, by proceedings for condemnation as prescribed by ORS chapter 35. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §243; 1989 c.821 §2; 2003 c.477 §12]

Source: Section 772.510 — Right of entry and condemnation by pipeline companies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors772.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.990 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.990
757.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

(1) Any person or municipality, or their agents, lessees, trustees or receivers, who omits, fails or refuses to do any act required by ORS 757.035 (Adoption of safety rules and regulations) , or fails to comply with any orders, rules or regulations of the Public Utility Commission made in pursuance of ORS 757.035 (Adoption of safety rules and regulations) , shall forfeit and pay into the State Treasury a sum of not less than $100, nor more than $10,000 for each such offense.

(2) Any public utility, or an officer or agent of a public utility, violating ORS 757.310 (Prohibition related to charges for service) commits a Class A violation.

(3) Violation of ORS 757.325 (Undue preferences and prejudices) is a Class A violation if committed by an individual. Violation of ORS 757.325 (Undue preferences and prejudices) is a specific fine violation if committed by a person other than an individual and is subject to a fine of not more than $10,000.

(4) Violation of ORS 757.330 (Soliciting or accepting special privileges from utilities) is a Class A violation.

(5) Violation of ORS 757.445 (Wrongful issues or use of proceeds by utility) is a specific fine violation subject to a fine of not more than $20,000 for each offense.

(6) Violation of ORS 757.450 (Wrongful acts relating to issuance of securities) is a Class C felony. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §95; 1979 c.990 §428; 1987 c.320 §245; 1999 c.1051 §224; 2011 c.597 §93]

Source: Section 757.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.857 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.857
757.857 Oregon Community Power Utility Acquisition Fund
Status: in_force

(1) The Oregon Community Power Utility Acquisition Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Oregon Community Power Utility Acquisition Fund shall be credited to the Oregon Community Power Utility Acquisition Fund.

(2) Moneys in the Oregon Community Power Utility Acquisition Fund are continuously appropriated to the Public Utility Commission for the purpose of transferring moneys to an acquisition review committee as described in ORS 757.855 (Funding of preliminary activities and negotiations) . [2007 c.807 §13]

Note: See note under 757.812 (Definitions for ORS 757.812 to 757.950) .

Source: Section 757.857 — Oregon Community Power Utility Acquisition Fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 772.070 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 772 / Section 772.070
772.070 Procedure on dispute between county and corporation
Status: in_force

(1) If the county court or board of county commissioners and corporation cannot agree upon the matters of appropriation under ORS 772.065 (Appropriation of county road or property in lieu thereof by agreement with county court) , the dispute shall be referred to the Public Utility Commission.

(2) The commission, after notice and hearing, shall by order determine the terms and conditions upon which the corporation may appropriate the county road or highway. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §238]

Source: Section 772.070 — Procedure on dispute between county and corporation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors772.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.824 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.824
757.824 Regulatory authority of Public Utility Commission over Oregon Community Power
Status: in_force

(1) Solely for purposes of determining the authority of the Public Utility Commission to regulate Oregon Community Power and the activities and operations of Oregon Community Power, Oregon Community Power shall be considered a consumer-owned utility, as defined in ORS 757.270 (Definitions for ORS 757.270 to 757.290) , and the commission shall regulate Oregon Community Power as a consumer-owned utility.

(2) In addition to having the authority granted the commission under subsection (1) of this section, the commission has the authority to:

(a) Regulate electricity service suppliers that conduct business with or use the facilities of Oregon Community Power;

(b) Determine a claim by an electricity service supplier that Oregon Community Power has acted in an anticompetitive manner; and

(c) Take action against Oregon Community Power to enforce consumer protection rules adopted under ORS 757.659 (Commission rules) (3) and applicable to direct access consumers.

(3) Oregon Community Power may not be required to obtain the approval of the Public Utility Commission to make an acquisition described in ORS 757.812 (Definitions for ORS 757.812 to 757.950) to 757.950 (Authorization to issue and sell revenue bonds) .

(4) As used in this section, “direct access” and “electricity service supplier” have the meanings given those terms in ORS 757.915 (Definitions for ORS 757.915 to 757.930) . [2007 c.807 §5]

Note: See note under 757.812 (Definitions for ORS 757.812 to 757.950) .

Source: Section 757.824 — Regulatory authority of Public Utility Commission over Oregon Community Power , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.430 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.430
757.430 Conditional approval of issuance authorized
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission may by order grant permission for the issue of stocks or bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in the amount applied for, or in a lesser amount, or not at all, and may attach to the exercise of the permission such condition or conditions as the commission deems reasonable and necessary.

Source: Section 757.430 — Conditional approval of issuance authorized , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.255 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.255
759.255 Setting prices without regard to return on utility investment
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to powers vested in the Public Utility Commission under ORS 759.195 (Price listing of services) , and subject to the limitations contained in subsections (2) to (4) of this section, upon petition of a telecommunications utility that provides local exchange service directly, or is affiliated with a utility that provides local exchange service, the commission, after notice and hearing, may approve a plan under which the commission regulates prices charged by the utility, without regard to the return on investment of the utility. Prices approved under the plan are not subject to the provisions of ORS 759.180 (Hearing on reasonableness of rates) to 759.190 (Notice of schedule change) and shall become effective as stated in the plan.

(2) Prior to granting a petition to approve a plan under subsection (1) of this section, the commission must find that the plan is in the public interest. In making its determination the commission shall consider, among other matters, whether the plan:

(a) Ensures prices for telecommunications services that are just and reasonable;

(b) Ensures high quality of existing telecommunications services and makes new services available;

(c) Maintains the appropriate balance between the need for regulation and competition; and

(d) Simplifies regulation.

(3) If the commission approves a plan under subsection (1) of this section, the commission shall establish objectives of the plan and conditions for review of the plan during the operation of the plan. The commission may not consider return on investment of the utility when the commission establishes objectives of the plan and conditions for review of the plan during the operation of the plan.

(4) A rate for any service in the plan authorized under subsection (1) of this section may not be lower than the total service long run incremental cost, for nonessential functions, of providing the service and the charges of essential functions used in providing the service. However, the commission may allow a telecommunications utility to establish rates for residential local exchange service at any level necessary to achieve the commission’s universal service objectives.

(5) If the commission approves a plan under subsection (1) of this section, the commission may waive, in whole or in part, compliance by the telecommunications utility with ORS 759.120 (Form and manner of accounts prescribed by commission) , 759.125 (Records and accounts prescribed by commission) , 759.130 (Closing date of accounts) , 759.135 (Depreciation accounts) , 759.180 (Hearing on reasonableness of rates) to 759.205 (Conformance of rates charged with schedule) , 759.215 (Public access to schedules) , 759.220 (Joint rates and classifications) , 759.285 (Charging rates based on cost of property not presently providing service) and 759.300 (“Stocks” defined) to 759.393 (Applicability of ORS 759.385 and 759.390) . [1995 c.399 §2; 2005 c.232 §13b]

Source: Section 759.255 — Setting prices without regard to return on utility investment; petition; findings; conditions; application of statutes to approved plan , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.676 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.676
757.676 Consumer-owned utility authorized to offer direct, portfolio or other forms of access to electricity services
Status: in_force

The governing body of a consumer-owned utility is authorized to determine whether and under what terms and conditions it will offer its retail electricity consumers direct access, portfolio access or other forms of access to electric service suppliers. In making such determination, the governing body of a consumer-owned utility shall consider such factors as it deems appropriate. A consumer-owned utility shall have sole authority to determine:

(1) The quality and nature of electric service, including but not limited to different product and pricing options, which shall be made available to its retail electricity consumers.

(2) The extent to which products and services will be unbundled and the rates, tariffs, terms and conditions on which they may be offered.

(3) Whether one or more pilot programs for direct access, portfolio access or other forms of access to alternative suppliers will be offered.

(4) Notwithstanding ORS 757.600 (Definitions for ORS 757.600 to 757.687) (10) and (35), what constitutes an economic or uneconomic utility investment, the value of such investments and, in the case of uneconomic utility investments, the manner and means of mitigating such investments.

(5) Whether and on what basis a transition charge will be adopted, assessed and collected from a retail electricity consumer located within the utility’s service territory, including but not limited to a nonbypassable distribution charge, the amount and period of recovery for the charges, the allocation of the charges among retail electricity consumers located within the utility’s service territory and the method of collecting such charges including but not limited to whether to impose a nonbypassable distribution charge.

(6) The manner of collecting stranded distribution charges, systems benefit charges, franchise fees, taxes and payments made in lieu of taxes from retail electricity consumers located within the utility’s service territory for electric power transactions using transmission facilities, whether or not such transactions use distribution facilities. The governing body may assign charges on the basis of usage, demand or any combination or method it finds appropriate. Charges need not be assigned to specific facilities.

(7) The collection from retail electricity consumers located within the utility’s service territory through rates, fees or charges, including the imposition of a nonbypassable distribution charge, in amounts sufficient to recover 100 percent of stranded costs imposed by, or incurred pursuant to the purchase of cost-based electric power from, the Bonneville Power Administration. Such stranded cost charges may include the difference in cost associated with purchasing electric power from the Bonneville Power Administration and the cost of purchasing a like and similar amount of electric power at market prices.

(8) The establishment of technical capability requirements, financial responsibility requirements and other protections for retail electricity consumers located within the utility’s service territory and the consumer-owned utility in dealings with electric service suppliers.

(9) Access to or use of the utility’s transmission facilities or distribution system by retail electricity consumers or electric service suppliers.

(10) The utility’s qualification standards for energy service suppliers in addition to any certification standards established by the Public Utility Commission, provided that the qualification standards are uniformly applied to electricity service providers in a nondiscriminatory manner. [1999 c.865 §24; 2003 c.186 §80]

Source: Section 757.676 — Consumer-owned utility authorized to offer direct, portfolio or other forms of access to electricity services , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.622 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.622
757.622 Commission to establish terms and conditions for default electricity service to nonresidential consumers
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission shall establish the terms and conditions for providing default electricity service for nonresidential electricity consumers in an emergency. The commission also shall establish reasonable terms and conditions for providing default service to a nonresidential electricity consumer in circumstances when the consumer is receiving electricity services through direct access and elects instead to receive such services through the default service. The terms and conditions for default service established by the commission shall provide for viable competition among electricity service suppliers. [1999 c.865 §4a]

Source: Section 757.622 — Commission to establish terms and conditions for default electricity service to nonresidential consumers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 758.250 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 758 / Section 758.250
758.250 Conversion of facilities on private lands
Status: in_force

(1) Any conversion of electric or communication service facilities, including service connections, located on a privately owned lot or parcel shall be made at the expense of the landowner by the utility owning the facility. The conversion shall be made in accordance with applicable safety rules, codes, regulations, tariffs or ordinances. The utility shall not be required to convert service lines on property, other than public lands and right of way, until the landowner furnishes to the utility a permit or easement authorizing the utility and its employees, agents and contractors to enter upon real property of the landowner for the purpose of performing conversion work thereon.

(2) Upon completion of the conversion of overhead electric or communication service facilities on privately owned lots and parcels within a district, the utility shall file with the public authority a verified statement of the costs of the conversion of such service facilities of each landowner in the district. Promptly thereafter the public authority shall mail to each landowner a copy of such verified statement. [1969 c.385 §9]

Source: Section 758.250 — Conversion of facilities on private lands; procedure; payment of costs , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors758.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.650 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.650
759.650 Definitions for ORS 759.650 to 759.675
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 759.650 (Definitions for ORS 759.650 to 759.675) to 759.675 (Regulatory procedure) , unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Attachment” means any wire or cable for the transmission of intelligence by telegraph, telephone or television (including cable television), light waves or other phenomena, or for the transmission of electricity for light, heat or power, and any related device, apparatus or auxiliary equipment, installed upon any pole or in any telegraph, telephone, electrical, cable television or communications right of way, duct, conduit, manhole or handhole or other similar facility or facilities owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by one or more public utility, telecommunications utility or people’s utility district.

(2) “Licensee” means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, company, association, joint stock association or cooperatively organized association which is authorized to construct attachments upon, along, under or across the public ways.

(3) “People’s utility district” means any concern providing electricity organized pursuant to ORS 261.010 (Definitions) and includes any entity cooperatively organized or owned by federal, state or local government or a subdivision of state or local government.

(4) “Public utility” has the meaning for that term provided in ORS 757.005 (Definition of public utility) , and does not include any entity cooperatively organized or owned by federal, state or local government or a subdivision of state or local government.

(5) “Telecommunications utility” means any telecommunications utility as defined in ORS 759.005 (Definitions) and does not include any entity cooperatively organized or owned by federal, state or local government, or a subdivision of state or local government. [1987 c.447 §22; 1989 c.5 §18]

Source: Section 759.650 — Definitions for ORS 759.650 to 759.675 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.105 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.105
757.105 Filing of budget
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission has the right and power of regulation, restriction and control over the budgets of expenditures of public utilities, as to all items covering:

(a) Proposed payment of salaries of executive officers;

(b) Donations;

(c) Political contributions and political advertising;

(d) Expenditures for pensions or for a trust to provide pensions for employees and officers;

(e) Other expenditures and major contracts for the sale or purchase of equipment; and

(f) Any payment or contemplated payment to any person or corporation having an affiliated interest for service, advice, auditing, associating, sponsoring, engineering, managing, operating, financing, legal or other services.

(2) On or before a date prescribed by the commission by rule, each public utility shall prepare a budget showing the amount of money which, in its judgment, shall be needed during the ensuing year for covering all such activities and expenditures, and file it with the commission.

(3) When any such budget has been filed with the commission, the commission shall examine into and investigate the same and unless rejected within 60 days thereafter, the proposed budget is presumptively fair and reasonable and not contrary to public interest.

(4) Proposed expenditures for pensions or for a trust to provide pensions for the employees and officers of such utility whether for future service or past service or both, shall be recognized as an operating expense if the trust fund is irrevocably committed to the payment of pensions or benefits to employees and if such pensions are reasonable and nondiscriminatory. The commission may disallow as an operating expense any expenditure for pension purposes in excess of the amount necessary and proper to maintain an actuarially sound retirement plan for the employees of the utility in Oregon. [Amended by 1957 c.593 §1; 1971 c.655 §82; 2013 c.96 §1]

Source: Section 757.105 — Filing of budget; rules; review by commission; pensions as operating expenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.230 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.230
757.230 Control of commission over classification of services and forms of schedules
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission shall provide for a comprehensive classification of service for each public utility, and such classification may take into account the quantity used, the time when used, the purpose for which used, the existence of price competition or a service alternative, the services being provided, the conditions of service, differential energy burdens on low-income customers and other economic, social equity or environmental justice factors that affect affordability for certain classes of utility customers, and any other reasonable consideration. Based on such considerations the commission may authorize classifications or schedules of rates applicable to individual customers or groups of customers. The service classifications and schedule forms shall be designed consistently with the requirements of ORS 469.010 (Policy) . Each public utility is required to conform its schedules of rates to such classification. If the commission determines that a tariff filing under ORS 757.205 (Filing schedules with commission) results in a rate classification primarily related to price competition or a service alternative, the commission, at a minimum, shall consider the following:

(a) Whether the rate generates revenues at least sufficient to cover relevant short and long run costs of the utility during the term of the rates;

(b) Whether the rate generates revenues sufficient to insure that just and reasonable rates are established for remaining customers of the utility;

(c) For electric and natural gas utilities:

(A) Whether it is appropriate to incorporate interruption of service in the utility’s rate agreement with the customer; and

(B) Whether the rate agreement requires the utility to acquire new resources to serve the load; and

(d) For electric utilities, for service to load not previously served, the effect of the rate on the utility’s average system cost through the residential exchange provision of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act of 1980, Public Law 96-501, as amended.

(2) The commission may prescribe such changes in the form in which the schedules are issued by any public utility as may be found to be expedient. The commission shall adopt rules which allow any person who requests notice of tariff filings described under subsection (1) of this section to receive such notice. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §72; 1977 c.682 §1; 1987 c.900 §1; 2021 c.90 §2]

Source: Section 757.230 — Control of commission over classification of services and forms of schedules; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.390 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.390
757.390 Legislative findings and declarations
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

(a) Renewable natural gas provides benefits to natural gas utility customers and to the public; and

(b) The development of renewable natural gas resources should be encouraged to support a smooth transition to a low carbon energy economy in Oregon.

(2) The Legislative Assembly therefore declares that:

(a) Natural gas utilities can reduce emissions from the direct use of natural gas by procuring renewable natural gas and investing in renewable natural gas infrastructure;

(b) Regulatory guidelines for the procurement of renewable natural gas and investments in renewable natural gas infrastructure should enable the procurements and investments while also protecting Oregon consumers; and

(c) Renewable natural gas should be included in the broader set of low carbon resources that may leverage the natural gas system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [2019 c.541 §2]

Source: Section 757.390 — Legislative findings and declarations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.900 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.900
759.900 Liability of utility
Status: in_force

(1) Any telecommunications utility which does, or causes or permits to be done, any matter, act or thing prohibited by this chapter or ORS chapter 756, 757 or 758 or omits to do any act, matter or thing required to be done by such statutes, is liable to the person injured thereby in the amount of damages sustained in consequence of such violation. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in an action under this section.

(2) The court may not award attorney fees to a prevailing defendant under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section if the action under this section is maintained as a class action pursuant to ORCP 32.

(3) Any recovery under this section does not affect recovery by the state of the penalty, forfeiture or fine prescribed for such violation.

(4) This section does not apply with respect to the liability of any telecommunications utility for personal injury or property damage. [1989 c.827 §4; 1995 c.696 §51]

Source: Section 759.900 — Liability of utility; effect on other remedies; liability for personal injury or property damage , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.180 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.180
756.180 Enforcing utility laws
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever it appears to the Public Utility Commission that any public utility or telecommunications utility or any other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission is engaged or about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute a violation of any statute administered by the commission, or any rule, regulation, requirement, order, term or condition issued thereunder, the commission may apply to any circuit court of the state where such public utility or telecommunications utility or other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission operates for the enforcement of such statute, rule, regulation, requirement, order, term or condition.

(2) Such court, without bond, has jurisdiction to enforce obedience thereto by injunction, or by other processes, mandatory or otherwise, restraining such public utility or telecommunications utility or any other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, or its officers, agents, employees and representatives from further violations of such statute, rule, regulation, requirement, order, term or condition, and enjoining upon them obedience thereto.

(3) The provisions of this section are in addition to and not in lieu of any other enforcement provisions contained in any statute administered by the commission. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §24; 1973 c.232 §5; 1973 c.776 §25; 1987 c.447 §85; 1995 c.733 §62]

Source: Section 756.180 — Enforcing utility laws , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.056 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.056
757.056 Information on energy conservation to be furnished by certain utilities
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “energy conservation services” means services provided by public utilities to educate and inform customers and the public about energy conservation. Such services include but are not limited to providing answers to questions concerning energy saving devices and providing inspections and making suggestions concerning the construction and siting of buildings and residences.

(2) All public utilities as defined in ORS 757.005 (Definition of public utility) , that produce, transmit, deliver or furnish heat, light or power shall establish energy conservation services and shall provide energy conservation information to customers and to the public. The services shall be performed in accordance with such rules as the Public Utility Commission may prescribe. [1977 c.197 §2; 1977 c.887 §11]

Source: Section 757.056 — Information on energy conservation to be furnished by certain utilities; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.393 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.393
759.393 Applicability of ORS 759.385 and 759.390
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the filing of proposed contracts under ORS 759.385 (Contracts regarding use of utility property) and 759.390 (Contracts with affiliated interests) shall constitute a telecommunications utility’s sole reporting obligation under ORS 759.385 (Contracts regarding use of utility property) and 759.390 (Contracts with affiliated interests) and the Public Utility Commission may not require a telecommunications utility to submit annual or other cumulative reports regarding such contracts, including contracts with affiliates of the utility.

(2) On April 1 of each year, every telecommunications utility shall file with the commission a list of affiliate contracts executed in the preceding year. The list shall consist of the names of the parties to the contracts, the dollar amounts of the contracts and the dates of execution of the contracts. [1999 c.809 §3]

Source: Section 759.393 — Applicability of ORS 759.385 and 759.390 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.062 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.062
756.062 Substantial compliance with laws adequate for commission activities
Status: in_force

(1) A substantial compliance with the requirements of the laws administered by the Public Utility Commission is sufficient to give effect to all the rules, orders, acts and regulations of the commission and they shall not be declared inoperative, illegal or void for any omission of a technical nature in respect thereto.

(2) The provisions of such laws shall be liberally construed in a manner consistent with the directives of ORS 756.040 (General powers) (1) to promote the public welfare, efficient facilities and substantial justice between customers and public and telecommunications utilities. [Formerly 757.025; 1973 c.776 §17; 1987 c.447 §78; 1995 c.733 §55; 2001 c.569 §2]

Source: Section 756.062 — Substantial compliance with laws adequate for commission activities; construction of laws generally , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.655 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.655
759.655 Authority of commission to regulate attachments
Status: in_force

The Public Utility Commission of Oregon shall have the authority to regulate in the public interest the rates, terms and conditions for attachments by licensees to poles or other facilities of telecommunications utilities. All rates, terms and conditions made, demanded or received by any telecommunications utility for any attachment by a licensee shall be just, fair and reasonable. [1987 c.447 §23]

Source: Section 759.655 — Authority of commission to regulate attachments , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.565 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.565
756.565 Prima facie effect of commission actions
Status: in_force

All rates, tariffs, classifications, regulations, practices and service fixed, approved or prescribed by the Public Utility Commission and any order made or entered upon any matter within the jurisdiction of the commission shall be in force and shall be prima facie lawful and reasonable, until found otherwise in a proceeding brought for that purpose under ORS 756.610 (Judicial review) . [Formerly 760.575; 2005 c.638 §5]

Source: Section 756.565 — Prima facie effect of commission actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.055 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.055
756.055 Delegation of authority
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the Public Utility Commission may designate by order or rule any commissioner or any named employee or category of employees who shall have authority to exercise any of the duties and powers imposed upon the commission by law. The official act of any commissioner or employee so exercising any such duties or powers is considered to be an official act of the commission.

(2) The commission may not delegate to any commissioner, named employee or category of employees under subsection (1) of this section the authority to:

(a) Sign an interim or final order after hearing;

(b) Sign any order upon any investigation the commission causes to be initiated;

(c) Sign an order that makes effective a rule;

(d) Enter orders on reconsideration or following rehearing; or

(e) Grant immunity from prosecution, forfeiture or penalty. [1971 c.655 §12; 1985 c.834 §10]

Source: Section 756.055 — Delegation of authority , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.068 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.068
757.068 Use of fees to make emergency repairs to water service plants
Status: in_force

(1) In each biennium the Public Utility Commission may use not more than $5,000 of the fees collected under ORS 756.310 (Annual fees payable by utilities and telecommunications providers) to make emergency repairs to the plants of public utilities providing water service. The commission may expend moneys under the provisions of this section only if the commission determines that:

(a) Customers of the utility are without service and are likely to remain without service for an unreasonable period of time;

(b) The utility is unwilling or unable to make emergency repairs, or cannot be found after reasonable effort; and

(c) Restoration of the service is necessary for the health and safety of the customers of the utility.

(2) The commission shall attempt to recover fees used under this section from the utility providing water service. The commission may also recover a penalty as provided in ORS 756.350 (Penalty for failure to pay fees) from the time the fees are expended. [2003 c.202 §8]

Source: Section 757.068 — Use of fees to make emergency repairs to water service plants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.394 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.394
757.394 Renewable natural gas programs
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission shall adopt by rule a large renewable natural gas program for large natural gas utilities pursuant to the provisions of ORS 757.396 (Participating large natural gas utilities) .

(2) The commission shall adopt by rule a small renewable natural gas program for small natural gas utilities pursuant to ORS 757.398 (Small natural gas utilities) .

(3) Rules adopted by the commission under this section shall include:

(a) Rules for reporting requirements under the large renewable natural gas program and the small renewable natural gas program; and

(b) Rules for establishing a process for natural gas utilities to fully recover prudently incurred costs associated with the large renewable natural gas program and the small renewable natural gas program.

(4) Rules adopted by the commission under this section may not prohibit an affiliated interest of a small natural gas utility or of a large natural gas utility from making a capital investment in a biogas production project if the affiliated interest, as defined in ORS 757.015 (“Affiliated interest” defined for ORS 757.105 (1) and 757.495) , is not a public utility. [2019 c.541 §4]

Source: Section 757.394 — Renewable natural gas programs; rules; requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.654 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.654
757.654 Commission authority to investigate allegations of undue market influence
Status: in_force

Upon receiving a complaint, or on its own motion, the Public Utility Commission is authorized to investigate, as provided under ORS 756.515 (Investigations and hearings on commission’s own motion) , whether any electric company that is an electricity service supplier has exercised undue market power with respect to the sale or distribution of electricity services. The commission may take such action as authorized by law to mitigate an exercise of undue market power. [1999 c.865 §12]

Source: Section 757.654 — Commission authority to investigate allegations of undue market influence , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.811 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.811
757.811 Requirement to consider electricity from ocean renewable energy
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that, consistent with the transmission planning requirements provided for by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, it shall be the policy position of the State of Oregon that any regional transmission planning processes conducted for the transmission planning regions that wholly or partly encompass any areas of this state shall adequately consider the transmission of electricity from ocean renewable energy generated within Oregon’s territorial sea, as defined in ORS 196.405 (Definitions for ORS 196.405 to 196.515) , or within adjacent federal waters. [2015 c.311 §1]

Note: 757.811 (Requirement to consider electricity from ocean renewable energy) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 757 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 757.811 — Requirement to consider electricity from ocean renewable energy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 758.430 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 758 / Section 758.430
758.430 Amendment of contract
Status: in_force

Any contract that has been approved as provided in ORS 758.400 (Definitions for ORS 758.015 and 758.400 to 758.475) to 758.475 (Fees) may be subsequently amended by the parties thereto, but any such amendatory agreement shall be filed with the Public Utility Commission and shall thereafter be approved or disapproved by the commission in the manner provided in ORS 758.420 (Filing of contract) and 758.425 (Order of commission on contract) . However, no hearing is required if all affected customers approve the amendatory agreement. An amendatory agreement may be enforced in the manner provided in ORS 758.465 (Enforcement procedure) . [Formerly 757.635; 1983 c.540 §5]

Source: Section 758.430 — Amendment of contract; approval of commission , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors758.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.045 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.045
756.045 Employing legal counsel
Status: in_force

Upon request by the Public Utility Commission, the Attorney General shall furnish to the commission such attorneys as the commission finds necessary. [Formerly 756.150]

Source: Section 756.045 — Employing legal counsel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 756.036 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 756 / Section 756.036
756.036 Duties and functions
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission may:

(a) Organize and reorganize the office of the Public Utility Commission in the manner that it considers necessary to properly discharge the responsibilities of the Public Utility Commission.

(b) Contract for or procure on a fee or part-time basis, or both, such experts, technical or other professional services as it may require for the discharge of its duties.

(c) Obtain such other services as it considers necessary or desirable.

(d) Participate in organizations of regional and national utility commissions.

(e) Appoint advisory committees. A member of an advisory committee so appointed shall receive no compensation for services as a member. Subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, the member shall receive actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

(2) Subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, the commissioners and the officers and employees of the commission shall be reimbursed for such reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(3) The chairperson of the commission appointed under ORS 756.014 (Public Utility Commission) shall serve as the administrative head of the commission and has the power to:

(a) With the consent of one or more of the other members of the commission, appoint and employ all subordinate officers and employees, including, but not limited to, deputies, assistants, engineers, examiners, accountants, auditors, inspectors and clerical personnel, prescribe their duties and fix their compensation, subject to the State Personnel Relations Law.

(b) Prescribe internal policies and procedures for the government of the commission, the conduct of its employees, the assignment and performance of its business and the custody, use and preservation of its records, papers and property in a manner consistent with applicable law. [1971 c.655 §8; 1985 c.834 §9; 1999 c.1102 §2; 2003 c.14 §453]

Source: Section 756.036 — Duties and functions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.642 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.642
757.642 Unbundling electricity assets
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than March 1, 2002, an electric company shall unbundle the costs of electricity services into power generation, transmission, distribution and retail services.

(2) Every electric company shall maintain separate accounting records for each component of electricity service provided by the electric company to retail electricity consumers. Accounts shall be maintained according to regulations issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(3) Unless required to provide a different accounting under federal requirements, each electric company shall, to a reasonable level of detail, separately identify and account for its costs of:

(a) Generation;

(b) Transmission services;

(c) Distribution services;

(d) Ancillary services;

(e) Consumer service charges levied on retail electricity consumers, including but not limited to metering and billing;

(f) Investment in public purposes; and

(g) State and local taxes paid by retail electricity consumers.

(4) An electric company shall separately identify and account for the costs of any additional components as the Public Utility Commission may require. [1999 c.865 §5; 2001 c.819 §4]

Source: Section 757.642 — Unbundling electricity assets; records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 759.245 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 759 / Section 759.245
759.245 Examination and testing of measuring appliances
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission may provide for the examination and testing of any and all appliances used for the measuring of any service of a telecommunications utility and may provide by rule that no such appliance shall be installed and used for the measuring of any service of any telecommunications utility until it has been examined and tested by the commission and found to be accurate.

(2) The commission shall declare and establish a reasonable fee governing the cost of such examination and test, which shall be paid to the commission by the telecommunications utility.

(3) The commission shall declare and establish reasonable fees for the testing of such appliances on the application of the customer, the fee to be paid by the customer at the time of the customer’s request, but to be repaid to the customer by the commission and to be paid by the telecommunications utility if the appliance is found defective or incorrect to the disadvantage of the customer or used beyond such reasonable limit as may be prescribed by the commission.

(4) All fees collected under the provisions of this section shall be paid by the commission into the State Treasury.

(5) The commission may purchase such materials, apparatus and standard measuring instruments for the examination and tests as the commission deems necessary. [1987 c.447 §21]

Source: Section 759.245 — Examination and testing of measuring appliances; rules; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors759.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.740 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.740
757.740 Recovery of other costs incurred as result of changes in operation to or removal of Klamath River dams
Status: in_force

Pursuant to ORS 757.210 (Hearing to establish new schedules) , the Public Utility Commission shall allow PacifiCorp to include in its rates and tariffs this state’s allocated share of any costs that are prudently incurred by PacifiCorp from changes in operation of Klamath River dams before removal of the dams, or that are prudently incurred for replacement power after the dams are removed, that are not otherwise recovered under ORS 757.734 (Recovery of investment in Klamath River dams) and 757.736 (Surcharges for funding costs of removing Klamath River dams) . [2009 c.690 §6]

Source: Section 757.740 — Recovery of other costs incurred as result of changes in operation to or removal of Klamath River dams , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 758.480 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 758 / Section 758.480
758.480 Assumption of obligations arising out of Trojan Nuclear Plant
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Agreement” means the agreement dated October 5, 1970, and titled “Agreement for Construction, Ownership and Operation of the Trojan Nuclear Plant,” as amended.

(b) “Allocated territory” has the meaning given that term in ORS 758.400 (Definitions for ORS 758.015 and 758.400 to 758.475) .

(c) “Person” means:

(A) A person as defined in ORS 174.100 (Definitions) ;

(B) A person as defined in ORS 758.400 (Definitions for ORS 758.015 and 758.400 to 758.475) ;

(C) A public body as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) ; or

(D) Any combination of entities described in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (C) of this paragraph.

(d) “Trojan obligations” means all of the obligations and liabilities of the Portland General Electric Company to pay amounts that are due or that may become due under the agreement or that are due or that may become due as a result of a requirement imposed by a federal, state or local governmental body, agency or instrumentality.

(e) “Utility service” has the meaning given that term in ORS 758.400 (Definitions for ORS 758.015 and 758.400 to 758.475) .

(2) Any person acquiring all or a portion of any allocated territory of the Portland General Electric Company, or acquiring the right to provide utility service within the allocated territory of the Portland General Electric Company, shall assume a share of Trojan obligations that is proportionate to the total amount of allocated territory or the percentage of retail customer load for which the person has acquired the right to provide utility service, whichever is greater.

(3) The assumption of Trojan obligations described in this section shall occur without regard to whether the acquisition described in subsection (2) of this section occurs through market transactions or condemnation proceedings or by any other means.

(4) Any person assuming a share of Trojan obligations shall pay all required or necessary amounts, when due, into any decommissioning or other fund established, required or approved by any federal, state or local governmental body, agency or instrumentality for the purpose of meeting Trojan obligations. A person making payments into a fund described in this subsection may use the person’s share of the fund for the purpose of meeting the person’s Trojan obligations, subject to any limitation imposed by a federal, state or local governmental body, agency or instrumentality.

(5) The obligations imposed by subsection (2) of this section do not apply to any person acquiring allocated territory or customers of the Portland General Electric Company when:

(a) The acquisition occurs pursuant to the terms of a contract allocating territory that has been approved by the Public Utility Commission under ORS 758.400 (Definitions for ORS 758.015 and 758.400 to 758.475) to 758.475 (Fees) and that is in effect on July 22, 2005; or

(b) The acquisition comprises less than one percent of the total allocated territory of the Portland General Electric Company or less than one-tenth of one percent of the total retail customer load of the Portland General Electric Company at the time of acquisition, whichever is greater. [2005 c.630 §1]

Note: 758.480 (Assumption of obligations arising out of Trojan Nuclear Plant) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 758 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 758.480 — Assumption of obligations arising out of Trojan Nuclear Plant , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors758.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.035 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.035
757.035 Adoption of safety rules and regulations
Status: in_force

(1) The Public Utility Commission has power, after a hearing had upon the motion of the commission or upon complaint, to require by general or special orders embodying reasonable rules or regulations, every person or municipality, their agents, lessees or acting trustees or receivers, appointed by court, engaged in the management, operation, ownership or control of telegraph, telephone, signal or power lines within this state, upon the public streets or highways, and also upon all other premises used, whether leased, owned or controlled by them, to construct, maintain and operate every line, plant, system, equipment or apparatus in such manner as to protect and safeguard the health and safety of all employees, customers and the public, and to this end to adopt and prescribe the installation, use, maintenance and operation of appropriate safety or other devices, or appliances, to establish or adopt standards of construction or equipment, and to require the performance of any other act which seems to the commission necessary or proper for the protection of the health or safety of all employees, customers or the public.

(2) When acting pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the Public Utility Commission shall adopt by rule as the standard of such construction, operation and maintenance the 1973 edition of the American National Standard, National Electrical Safety Code, C2.

(3) In lieu of subsection (2) of this section, or in addition thereto, the commission may adopt by rule any revision or edition of or amendment to the National Electrical Safety Code approved by the American National Standards Institute after July 14, 1977, and in effect on the date of adoption by the commission. [Amended by 1969 c.530 §1; 1971 c.655 §68; 1975 c.658 §1; 1977 c.346 §1]

Source: Section 757.035 — Adoption of safety rules and regulations; enforcement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 772.050 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 772 / Section 772.050
772.050 Condemnation of riparian rights and for reservoirs
Status: in_force

Any corporation mentioned in ORS 772.010 (Right of entry for survey of proposed right of way) may also condemn:

(1) The rights of riparian proprietors in any lake or stream, to enable such corporation to develop, manufacture or furnish electrical energy for the operation of any railway in this state.

(2) Lands for the sites of reservoirs for storing water for future use, and for rights of way for feeders carrying water to reservoirs, and for ditches, canals, flumes or pipelines carrying the same away. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §236]

Source: Section 772.050 — Condemnation of riparian rights and for reservoirs , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors772.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 757.245 — OR Code / Title 57 / Chapter 757 / Section 757.245
757.245 Establishment of joint rates
Status: in_force

(1) A public utility may establish reasonable through service and joint rates and classifications with other public utilities. Public utilities establishing joint rates shall establish just and reasonable regulations and practices in connection therewith and just, reasonable and equitable divisions thereof as between the public utilities participating therein, which shall not unduly prefer or prejudice any of such participating public utilities, and every unjust and unreasonable rate, classification, regulation, practice and division is prohibited.

(2) The Public Utility Commission may, and shall, whenever deemed by the commission to be necessary or desirable in the public interest, after full hearing upon complaint, or upon the commission’s own initiative without complaint, establish through service, classifications and joint rates, the divisions of such rates and the terms and conditions under which such through service shall be rendered. If any tariff or schedule canceling any through service or joint rate or classification without the consent of all the public utilities parties thereto or authorization by the commission is suspended by the commission for investigation, the burden of proof is upon the public utilities proposing such cancellation to show that it is consistent with the public interest.

(3) Whenever, after full hearing upon complaint or upon the commission’s own initiative without complaint, the commission is of the opinion that the divisions of joint rates between the public utilities are or will be unjust, unreasonable, inequitable or unduly preferential or prejudicial as between the public utilities parties thereto, whether agreed upon by such public utilities or otherwise established, the commission shall, by order, prescribe the just, reasonable and equitable divisions thereof to be received by the several public utilities. In cases where the joint rate was established pursuant to the finding or order of the commission and the divisions thereto are found by the commission to have been unjust, unreasonable or inequitable, or unduly preferential or prejudicial, the commission may also by order determine what, for the period subsequent to the filing of the complaint or petition or the making of the order of investigation, would have been the just, reasonable and equitable division thereof to be received by the several public utilities and require adjustment to be made in accordance therewith.

(4) In so prescribing and determining the divisions of joint rates, the commission shall give due consideration, among other things, to:

(a) The efficiency with which the public utilities concerned are operated;

(b) The amount of revenue to pay their respective operating expenses, taxes and a fair return on their public utility property held for and used in service;

(c) The importance to the public of the services of such public utilities;

(d) Whether any particular participating public utility is an originating, intermediate or delivering utility; and

(e) Any other fact or circumstance which ordinarily would entitle one public utility to a greater or less proportion of the joint rate than another. [Amended by 1971 c.655 §74]

Source: Section 757.245 — Establishment of joint rates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors757.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).