The RCA has five commissioners, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature for a six year term. The RCA has a staff of 51 who are responsible for providing professional staff support for Commission decisions and for carrying out the Commission's policies. This keeps rates as low as possible while allowing the utility to earn a fair return. In most cases, when utilities request changes in either their rates or types of services they provide, the RCA provides notice to the public and allows thirty days for comments. The Commission then acts to approve or disapprove the utility's proposal.
Public notice appears as an ad in the local newspaper or is posted in the local post office.
Most companies providing telephone, electric, gas, water, sewer, garbage, or steam services to ten or more customers are required to have a certificate to operate. A public utility or pipeline carrier must obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity, which describes the authorized service area and scope of operations of the utility. A certificate may be issued only if the commission finds the applicant to be fit, willing, and able to provide the utility service requested. The rates, services, and practices of many utilities are economically regulated by the Commission. Other utilities are not economically regulated.