Holding gas utilities to a prudence standard in purchases does not micromanage the utilities' gas purchasing policies, but does hold them accountable for their actions. Consumers Union's income is solely derive from the sale of Consumer Reports. In addition to reports on Consumers Union's own product testing, Consumer Reports, with approximately 4.6 million paid circulation, regularly carries articles on health, product safety, marketplace economics, and legislative, judicial, and regulatory actions which affect consumer welfare. Consumers Union's publications carry no advertising and receive no commercial support. 102.201 of GURA allows the regulatory authority may inquire into the management and affairs of each gas utility and shall keep itself informed as to the manner and method in which each gas utility is managed and its affairs are conducted.
Regulators also have the authority to audit accounts and inspect records.