reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 2 - General Provisions › Part 2 - Exemption from Commission Jurisdiction › Section 202 - Out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative -- Exemption from commission jurisdiction.

Effective 5/8/2018
54-2-202.
Out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative -- Exemption from commission jurisdiction.
(1) As used in this section, "out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative" means an electrical corporation that:
(a) is a distribution electrical cooperative;
(b) is headquartered and maintains its principal place of business in a state adjoining Utah; and
(c) provides electric services to consumers located in Utah.
(2) An out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative is exempt from regulation by the commission if the out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative:
(a) has not previously been headquartered or maintained its principal place of business in Utah;
(b) serves fewer than 25,000 total customers;
(c) provides less than 20% of the out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative's total power sales in Utah; and
(d) provides and maintains on file with the commission written documentation certifying that the out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative is subject to the applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the state where the out-of state distribution electrical cooperative's principal place of business is located.
(3) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, the commission may exercise the commission's authority applicable to a distribution electrical cooperative pursuant to this title if:
(a) the out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative fails to meet any of the qualifications of Subsection (2); or
(b) a complaint is filed against the out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative by one of the out-of-state distribution electrical cooperative's customers within Utah.
Enacted by Chapter 332, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 1 - Charges must be just; service adequate; rules reasonable.

54-3-1.
Charges must be just; service adequate; rules reasonable.
All charges made, demanded or received by any public utility, or by any two or more public utilities, for any product or commodity furnished or to be furnished, or for any service rendered or to be rendered, shall be just and reasonable. Every unjust or unreasonable charge made, demanded or received for such product or commodity or service is hereby prohibited and declared unlawful. Every public utility shall furnish, provide and maintain such service, instrumentalities, equipment and facilities as will promote the safety, health, comfort and convenience of its patrons, employees and the public, and as will be in all respects adequate, efficient, just and reasonable. All rules and regulations made by a public utility affecting or pertaining to its charges or service to the public shall be just and reasonable. The scope of definition "just and reasonable" may include, but shall not be limited to, the cost of providing service to each category of customer, economic impact of charges on each category of customer, and on the well-being of the state of Utah; methods of reducing wide periodic variations in demand of such products, commodities or services, and means of encouraging conservation of resources and energy.
Amended by Chapter 206, 1977 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 2 - Schedules of rates and classification -- Right of inspection -- Changes by commission -- Online consumer access to usage data.

Effective 5/14/2019
54-3-2.
Schedules of rates and classification -- Right of inspection -- Changes by commission -- Online consumer access to usage data.
(1) Under the rules and regulations made by the commission, each public utility, shall file with the commission within the time and in the form as the commission may designate, and shall print and keep open to public inspection, schedules showing all rates, tolls, rentals, charges, and classifications collected or enforced, or to be collected or enforced, together with all rules, regulations, contracts, privileges, and facilities which in any manner affect or relate to rates, tolls, rentals, charges, classifications, or service.
(2) Except for motor carriers exempted under federal law, nothing in this section shall prevent the commission from approving or fixing rates, tolls, rentals, or charges from time to time greater, or less, than those shown by the schedules.
(3) The commission shall have power, in its discretion, to determine and prescribe, by order, changes in the form of the schedules referred to in this section as it may find expedient, and to modify the requirements of any of its orders or rules or regulations in respect to any matters described in this section.
(4)
(a) If requested by a nonresidential customer, and to the extent available through existing meters, each electrical corporation shall provide the nonresidential customer access to the customer's usage data.
(b) Each electrical corporation shall provide the access described in Subsection (4)(a) broken down into:
(i) 15 minute intervals; or
(ii) the shortest requested interval available through existing meters.
(c) If incremental costs are associated with providing the access described in this Subsection (4), the electrical corporation may charge the customer an amount determined by the electrical corporation's governing authority, as defined in Section 54-15-102.
Amended by Chapter 228, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 3 - Changes by utilities in schedules -- Notice.

54-3-3.
Changes by utilities in schedules -- Notice.
Unless the commission otherwise orders, no change shall be made by any public utility in any rate, fare, toll, rental, charge or classification, or in any rule, regulation or contract relating to or affecting any rate, toll, fare, rental, charge, classification or service, or in any privilege or facility, except after 30 days' notice to the commission and to the public as herein provided. Such notice shall be given by filing with the commission, and keeping open for public inspection, new schedules stating plainly the change or changes to be made in the schedule or schedules then in force, and the time when the change or changes will go into effect. The commission for good cause shown may allow changes, without requiring the 30 days' notice herein provided for, by an order specifying the changes so to be made, the time when they shall take effect and the manner in which they shall be filed and published. When any change is proposed in any rate, fare, toll, rental, charge or classification, or in any form of contract or agreement, or in any rule, regulation or contract relating to or affecting any rate, toll, fare, rental, charge, classification or service, or in any privilege or facility, attention shall be directed to such change on the schedule filed with the commission by some character to be designated by the commission immediately preceding or following the item.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 4 - Joint tariffs.

54-3-4.
Joint tariffs.
The names of the several public utilities which are parties to any joint tariff, rate, fare, toll, contract, classification or charge shall be specified in the schedule or schedules showing the same. Unless otherwise ordered by the commission, a schedule showing such joint tariff, rate, toll, fare, contract, classification or charge need be filed with the commission by only one of the parties to it, provided there is also filed with the commission, in such form as the commission may require, a concurrence in such joint tariff, rate, toll, fare, contract, classification or charge by each of the other parties thereto.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 7 - Charges not to vary from schedules -- Refunds and rebates forbidden -- Exceptions.

54-3-7.
Charges not to vary from schedules -- Refunds and rebates forbidden -- Exceptions.
Except as provided in this chapter or Chapter 8b, Public Telecommunications Law, no public utility shall charge, demand, collect or receive a greater or less or different compensation for any product or commodity furnished or to be furnished, or for any service rendered or to be rendered, than the rates, tolls, rentals and charges applicable to such products or commodity or service as specified in its schedules on file and in effect at the time; nor shall any such public utility refund or remit, directly or indirectly, in any manner or by any device, any portion of the rates, tolls, rentals and charges so specified; nor extend to any person any form of contract or agreement, or any rule or regulation, or any facility or privilege except such as are regularly and uniformly extended to all corporations and persons; provided, that the commission may, by rule or order, establish such exceptions from the operation of this prohibition as it may consider just and reasonable as to any public utility.
Amended by Chapter 5, 2005 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 8 - Preferences forbidden -- Power of commission to determine facts -- Applicability of section.

Effective 5/4/2022
54-3-8.
Preferences forbidden -- Power of commission to determine facts -- Applicability of section.
(1) Except as provided in Chapter 8b, Public Telecommunications Law, a public utility may not:
(a) as to rates, charges, service, facilities or in any other respect, make or grant any preference or advantage to any person, or subject any person to any prejudice or disadvantage; and
(b) establish or maintain any unreasonable difference as to rates, charges, service or facilities, or in any other respect, either as between localities or as between classes of service.
(2) The commission shall have power to determine any question of fact arising under this section.
(3) This section does not apply to, and the commission may not enforce this chapter concerning, a schedule, classification, rate, price, charge, fare, toll, rental, rule, service, facility, or contract of an entity described in Subsection 54-2-1(9)(b)(iii) or (iv), (21), or (23)(h), or if the electricity is consumed by an eligible customer for the eligible customer's own use or the use of the eligible customer's tenant or affiliate.
Amended by Chapter 314, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 8.5 - Rate on electricity for agricultural irrigation or drainage.

54-3-8.5.
Rate on electricity for agricultural irrigation or drainage.
The commission in approving any rate applicable to customers who use electric power for agricultural irrigation or soil drainage purposes which includes a demand or power charge as a separate charge shall take into consideration the productive utilization of agricultural water and electric energy.
Enacted by Chapter 249, 1983 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 9 - Sliding scale of charges -- Control by commission.

54-3-9.
Sliding scale of charges -- Control by commission.
Nothing in this title shall be taken to prohibit a corporation or person engaged in the production, generation, transmission, or furnishing of heat, light, water or power, or telegraph or telephone service, from establishing a sliding scale of charges, provided a schedule showing such scale of charges shall first have been filed with the commission and the rates set out therein are approved by it. Nothing in this title shall be taken to prohibit any such corporation or person from entering into an arrangement for a fixed period for the automatic adjustment of charges for heat, light, water or power, or telegraph or telephone service, in relation to the dividends to be paid to stockholders of such corporation or the profit to be realized by such person, provided a schedule showing the scale of charges under such arrangement shall first have been filed with the commission and each rate set out therein is approved by it. Nothing in this section shall prevent the commission from revoking its approval at any time and fixing other rates and charges for the product or commodity or service, as authorized by this title.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 10 - Interchange of business required.

54-3-10.
Interchange of business required.
Every telephone corporation and telegraph corporation operating in this state shall receive, transmit, and deliver, without discrimination or delay, the conversations and messages of every other telephone or telegraph corporation with whose line a physical connection may have been made.
Amended by Chapter 170, 1996 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 19 - Long and short distance service -- Through and intermediate rates.

54-3-19.
Long and short distance service -- Through and intermediate rates.
(1) A telephone or telegraph corporation may not charge or receive any greater compensation, in the aggregate, for the transmission of any long distance message or conversation for a shorter than for a longer distance over the same line or route in the same direction within this state, the shorter being included within the longer distance; or charge any greater compensation for a through service than the aggregate of the intermediate rates or tolls; but this shall not be construed as authorizing any telephone or telegraph corporation to charge or receive as great a compensation for a shorter as for a longer distance.
(2) Upon application to the commission any telegraph or telephone corporation may in special cases, after investigation, be authorized by the commission to charge less for a longer than for a shorter distance service for the transmission of messages or conversations, and the commission may from time to time prescribe the extent to which the telegraph or telephone corporation may be relieved from the operation and requirements of this section.
Amended by Chapter 316, 1995 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 21 - Commission to be furnished information and copies of records -- Hearings before commission to be public -- Privilege.

Effective 5/8/2018
54-3-21.
Commission to be furnished information and copies of records -- Hearings before commission to be public -- Privilege.
(1) Every public utility shall furnish to the commission in such form and such detail as the commission shall prescribe all tabulations and computations and all other information required by it to carry into effect any of the provisions of this title, and shall make specific answers to all questions submitted by the commission.
(2) Every public utility receiving from the commission any blanks with directions to fill the same shall cause the same to be properly filled so as to answer fully and correctly each question propounded therein; in case it is unable to answer any question, it shall give a good and sufficient reason for such failure.
(3) Whenever required by the commission every public utility shall deliver to the commission copies of any or all maps, profiles, contracts, agreements, franchises, reports, books, accounts, papers and records in its possession or in any way relating to its property or affecting its business, and also a complete inventory of all its property in such form as the commission may direct.
(4) Hearings or proceedings of the commission or of any commissioner shall be open to the public, and all records of all hearings or proceedings or orders, rules or investigations by the commission or any commissioner shall be at all times open to the public; provided, that any information furnished the commission by a public utility or by any officer, agent or employee of any public utility may be withheld from the public whenever and during such time as the commission may determine that it is for the best interests of the public to withhold such information. Any officer or employee of the commission who in violation of the provisions of this subsection divulges any such information is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Amended by Chapter 148, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 22 - Required reports.

54-3-22.
Required reports.
Every public utility shall furnish to the commission at such time and in such form as the commission may require a report in which the public utility shall specifically answer all questions propounded by the commission upon or concerning any matter upon which the commission may desire information. The commission shall have authority to require any public utility to file monthly reports of earnings and expenses, and to file periodical or special, or both periodical and special, reports concerning any matter about which the commission is authorized to inquire or to keep itself informed or which it is required to enforce. All reports shall be under oath when required by the commission.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 23 - Commission's orders must be obeyed.

54-3-23.
Commission's orders must be obeyed.
Every public utility shall obey and comply with each and every requirement of every order, decision, direction, rule or regulation made or prescribed by the commission in the matters herein specified, or in any other matter in any way relating to or affecting its business as a public utility, and shall do everything necessary or proper in order to secure compliance with and observance of every such order, decision, direction, rule or regulation by all of its officers, agents and employees.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 24 - Hostage situation -- Telephone communication prevention.

54-3-24.
Hostage situation -- Telephone communication prevention.
The supervising law enforcement official having jurisdiction in a geographical area where hostages are held, who has probable cause to believe that the holder of one or more hostages is committing a crime, may order a previously designated telephone company security employee to arrange to cut, reroute or divert telephone lines that serve the area in which the hostages are being held, in an emergency, for the purpose of preventing telephone communications by the holder of the hostages with any person other than a peace officer or person authorized by a peace officer.
The serving telephone company within the geographical area of the law enforcement unit shall designate a telephone company security official and an alternate to provide all required assistance to law enforcement officials to carry out the purpose of this section. Good faith reliance on an order given by a supervising law enforcement official shall constitute a complete defense to any action brought for conduct allowed under this section.
Enacted by Chapter 217, 1981 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 26 - Retention of unclaimed capital credits by electric and telephone cooperatives -- Use of retained money -- Reporting requirements.

Effective 5/10/2016
54-3-26.
Retention of unclaimed capital credits by electric and telephone cooperatives -- Use of retained money -- Reporting requirements.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Cooperative" means a:
(i) distribution electrical cooperative, as defined in Section 54-2-1, that is incorporated in the state; or
(ii) telephone cooperative, as defined in Section 54-2-1, that is incorporated in the state.
(b) "Unclaimed capital credit" means a capital credit issued by a cooperative to the cooperative's customer that is unclaimed on the last day of the year three years after the year in which the credit was issued.
(2) A cooperative shall retain an unclaimed capital credit.
(3) A cooperative shall use the proceeds of a retained unclaimed capital credit to:
(a) pay all or a portion of a low-income individual's utility bills;
(b) provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the area where the cooperative provides service; or
(c) provide financial assistance to, in the area where the cooperative provides service:
(i) a school;
(ii) a non-profit organization; or
(iii) a community organization.
(4) A cooperative shall establish criteria for recipients of the financial assistance described in this section that are based on:
(a) a recipient's financial or other needs; and
(b) the recipient community's interests.
(5) A cooperative shall submit a report, before November 1 of each year, to the Public Service Commission that describes:
(a) the amount of unclaimed capital credits retained by the cooperative;
(b) the amount and recipients of financial assistance disbursed under this section; and
(c) the criteria used by the cooperative to determine the recipients and amount of financial assistance disbursed under this section.
Amended by Chapter 315, 2016 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 27 - Public utility easement.

54-3-27.
Public utility easement.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Protected utility easement" means a recorded easement or right-of-way:
(i) for the use and installation of a utility facility; and
(ii) the ownership of which a gas corporation, electric corporation, or telephone corporation acquires and holds by any lawful means.
(b) "Public utility easement" means the area on a recorded plat map or other recorded document that is dedicated to the use and installation of public utility facilities.
(2)
(a) A public utility easement provides a public utility with:
(i) the right to install, maintain, operate, repair, remove, replace, or relocate public utility facilities; and
(ii) the rights of ingress and egress within the public utility easement for public utility employees, contractors, and agents.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3), a public utility shall restore or repair, at the expense of the public utility, any fence, grass, soil, shrubbery, bushes, flowers, other low level vegetation, sprinkler system, irrigation system, gravel, flat concrete, or asphalt damaged or displaced from the exercise of the easement rights described in Subsection (2)(a).
(3) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), if a property owner places improvements to land that interfere with the easement rights described in Subsection (2)(a), the property owner shall bear the risk of loss or damage to those improvements resulting from the exercise of the easement rights described in Subsection (2)(a).
(4)
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), a public utility easement is nonexclusive and may be used by more than one public utility.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (4)(a), a public utility may not:
(i) interfere with any facility of another public utility within the public utility easement; or
(ii) infringe on the legally required distances of separation between public utility facilities required by federal, state, or local law.
(5) A subdivision plat that includes a public utility easement may not be approved by a county or municipality unless the subdivider has provided the county or municipality proof that the subdivider has, as a courtesy, previously notified each public utility that is anticipated to provide service to the subdivision.
(6) A person may not acquire, whether by adverse possession, prescription, acquiescence, or otherwise, any right, title, or interest in a public utility easement or protected utility easement that is adverse to or interferes with a public utility's full use of the easement for the purposes for which the easement was created.
(7) A gas corporation's, electric corporation's, or telephone corporation's failure to possess, occupy, or use a protected utility easement does not diminish or extinguish any right that the gas corporation, electric corporation, or telephone corporation has under the easement.
(8) Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the right of a condemnor to condemn a public utility easement as provided by law.
Amended by Chapter 245, 2009 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 3 - Duties of Public Utilities › Section 33 - Eligible customer energy supply contract.

Effective 5/10/2016
54-3-33.
Eligible customer energy supply contract.
(1) The commission may approve a contract between a large-scale electric utility and a customer of a large-scale electric utility that is eligible to transfer electric service to a non-utility energy supplier under Section 54-3-32.
(2) The commission shall exempt a customer that enters into a contract described in Subsection (1) from paying the costs recovered under Subsection 54-7-12.8(3), except the costs of the Utah solar incentive program included in Subsection 54-7-12.8(3)(b).
(3) If an eligible customer that enters into a contract described in Subsection (1) has provided notice to the commission under Subsection 54-3-32(3), the notice is not considered withdrawn under Subsection 54-3-32(4)(c) by the customer entering into the contract.
(4) Notwithstanding Subsection 54-3-32(4)(c), if the commission approves a contract under this section for an eligible customer that states a contract termination date that is after December 31, 2020, the notice described in Subsection 54-3-32(3)(a) is not considered to be withdrawn unless a transfer of service under Section 54-3-32 does not occur before the later of:
(a) the day three years after the termination date stated in the contract; or
(b) 18 months after the intended date of transfer of service described in Subsection 54-3-32(3)(a)(ii).
Enacted by Chapter 393, 2016 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 1 - General jurisdiction.

Effective 5/3/2023
54-4-1.
General jurisdiction.
The commission is hereby vested with power and jurisdiction to supervise and regulate every public utility in this state, and to supervise all of the business of every such public utility in this state, and to do all things, whether herein specifically designated or in addition thereto, which are necessary or convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Department of Transportation shall have jurisdiction over safety functions of public utilities as granted in Title 72, Transportation Code.
Amended by Chapter 66, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 1.1 - Wholesale electrical cooperative exempt from rate regulation -- Requirements for rate increase.

54-4-1.1.
Wholesale electrical cooperative exempt from rate regulation -- Requirements for rate increase.
The commission does not have the authority under the provisions of this title to regulate, fix, or otherwise approve or establish the rates, fares, tolls, or charges of a wholesale electrical cooperative. A wholesale electrical cooperative shall not vary its charges within any type or classification of service to any member or the public, one from the other, or from schedules of rates, fares, tolls, or charges which schedules shall be filed at least annually with the Division of Public Utilities for informational purposes only. The prohibition of this section applies only to the rates, fares, tolls, or charges and does not exempt wholesale electrical cooperatives from other areas of regulation under this title including, but not limited to, regulation having an indirect effect on rates, fares, tolls, or charges but which does not constitute an approval or establishment of them.
A wholesale electrical cooperative must, prior to the implementation of any rate increase after January 1, 1984, hold a public meeting for all its customers and members. Notice must be mailed at least 10 days prior to the meeting. In addition, any schedule of new rates or other change that results in new rates must be approved by the board of directors of the wholesale electrical cooperative.
Enacted by Chapter 50, 1984 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 1.5 - Investigations, providing information, audits and recommendations by director.

54-4-1.5.
Investigations, providing information, audits and recommendations by director.
In addition to its other powers and duties provided by law, the Public Service Commission may, with respect to any matter within its jurisdiction, order the director of the Division of Public Utilities to:
(1) conduct research, studies, and investigations;
(2) provide information, documents or records in compliance with the provisions regarding ex parte communications set forth in Section 54-7-1.5;
(3) conduct audits and inspections or take other enforcement actions to assure compliance with commission decisions and state and federal laws; and
(4) make recommendations regarding public utility regulations.
Enacted by Chapter 246, 1983 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 2 - Investigations -- Hearings and notice -- Findings -- Applicability of chapter.

Effective 5/4/2022
54-4-2.
Investigations -- Hearings and notice -- Findings -- Applicability of chapter.
(1)
(a) The commission may conduct an investigation if the commission determines an investigation:
(i) is necessary to secure compliance with this title or with an order of the commission;
(ii) is in the public interest; or
(iii) should be made of any act or omission to act, or of anything accomplished or proposed, or of any schedule, classification, rate, price, charge, fare, toll, rental, rule, regulation, service, or facility of any public utility.
(b) If the commission conducts an investigation under Subsection (1)(a), the commission may:
(i) establish a time and place for a hearing;
(ii) provide notice to the public utility concerning the investigation; and
(iii) make findings and orders that are just and reasonable with respect to the investigation.
(2) This chapter does not apply to a schedule, classification, rate, price, charge, fare, toll, rental, rule, service, facility, or contract of an entity described in Subsection 54-2-1(9)(b)(iii) or (iv), (21), or (23)(i), or if the electricity is consumed by an eligible customer for the eligible customer's own use or the use of the eligible customer's tenant or affiliate.
Amended by Chapter 314, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 4.1 - Rules to govern rates.

54-4-4.1.
Rules to govern rates.
(1) The commission may, by rule or order, adopt any method of rate regulation that is:
(a) consistent with this title;
(b) in the public interest; and
(c) just and reasonable.
(2) In accordance with Subsection (1), a method of rate regulation may include:
(a) rate designs utilizing:
(i) volumetric rate components;
(ii) demand rate components;
(iii) fixed rate components; and
(iv) variable rate components;
(b) rate stabilization methods;
(c) decoupling methods;
(d) incentive-based mechanisms; and
(e) other components, methods, or mechanisms approved by the commission.
Amended by Chapter 319, 2009 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 7 - Rules, equipment, service -- Regulation after hearing.

54-4-7.
Rules, equipment, service -- Regulation after hearing.
Whenever the commission shall find, after a hearing, that the rules, regulations, practices, equipment, appliances, facilities, or service of any public utility, or the methods of manufacture, distribution, transmission, storage or supply employed by it, are unjust, unreasonable, unsafe, improper, inadequate or insufficient, the commission shall determine the just, reasonable, safe, proper, adequate or sufficient rules, regulations, practices, equipment, appliances, facilities, service or methods to be observed, furnished, constructed, enforced or employed, and shall fix the same by its order, rule or regulation. The commission, after a hearing, shall prescribe rules and regulations for the performance of any service or the furnishing of any commodity of the character furnished or supplied by any public utility, and on proper demand and tender of rates such public utility shall furnish such commodity or render such service within the time and upon the conditions provided in such rules.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 8 - Additions, improvements, extensions, repairs, or changes -- Apportioning costs.

54-4-8.
Additions, improvements, extensions, repairs, or changes -- Apportioning costs.
(1)
(a) Whenever the commission shall find that additions, extensions, repairs, or improvements to or changes in the existing plant, equipment, apparatus, facilities, or other physical property of any public utility or of any two or more public utilities ought reasonably to be made, or that a new structure or structures ought to be erected to promote the security or convenience of its employees or the public or in any way to secure adequate service or facilities, the commission shall make and serve an order directing that such additions, extensions, repairs, improvements, or changes be made or such structure or structures be erected in the manner and within the time specified in the order.
(b) If any additions, extensions, repairs, improvements, or changes, or any new structure or structures which the commission has ordered to be erected, require joint action by two or more public utilities, the commission shall notify the public utilities that the additions, extensions, repairs, improvements, or changes, or new structure or structures have been ordered and shall be made at their joint cost; whereupon the public utilities shall have reasonable time as the commission may grant within which to agree upon the portion or division of cost of the additions, extensions, repairs, improvements, or changes or any new structure or structures which each shall bear.
(2) If at the expiration of the time in Subsection (1)(b) the public utilities shall fail to file with the commission a statement that an agreement has been made for division or apportionment of the cost or expense of the additions, extensions, repairs, improvements, or changes, or of the new structure or structures, the commission shall have authority, after further hearing, to make an order fixing the proportion of the cost or expense to be borne by each public utility and the manner in which the cost or expense shall be paid or secured.
Amended by Chapter 306, 2007 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 12 - Telegraph and telephone -- Connections -- Joint rates -- Division of costs.

54-4-12.
Telegraph and telephone -- Connections -- Joint rates -- Division of costs.
Whenever the commission shall find, after a hearing, that a physical connection can reasonably be made between the lines of two or more telephone corporations, or two or more telegraph corporations, whose lines can be made to form a continuous line of communication by the construction and maintenance of suitable connections for the transfer of messages or conversations, and that public convenience and necessity will be subserved thereby, or shall find that two or more telegraph or telephone corporations have failed to establish joint rates, tolls or charges for service by or over their said lines and that joint rates, tolls or charges ought to be established, the commission may, by its order, require that such connection be made, except where the purpose of such connection is primarily to secure the transmission of local messages or conversations between points within the same city or town, and that conversations be transmitted and messages transferred over such connections under such rules and regulations as the commission may establish and prescribe, and that through lines and joint rates, tolls and charges be made and be used, observed and be in force in the future. If such telephone or telegraph corporations do not agree upon the division between themselves of the cost of such physical connection or connections, or upon the division of the joint rates, tolls or charges established by the commission over such through lines, the commission shall have authority, after a further hearing, to establish such division by supplemental order.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 13.1 - Natural gas vehicle rate -- Natural gas clean air programs.

Effective 5/14/2019
54-4-13.1.
Natural gas vehicle rate -- Natural gas clean air programs.
(1) The commission may find that a gas corporation's request for a natural gas vehicle rate that is less than full cost of service is:
(a) in the public interest; and
(b) just and reasonable.
(2) If the commission approves a gas corporation's request under Subsection (1), the remaining costs may be spread to other customers of the gas corporation.
(3) The commission may authorize a gas corporation to establish natural gas clean air programs that promote sustainability through increasing the use of natural gas or renewable natural gas that the commission determines are in the public interest, subject to the funding limits set forth in Subsection 54-20-105(3)(d).
(4) For purposes of this section, and as pertaining to the transportation sector, "natural gas clean air program" means:
(a) an incentive or program to support the use of natural gas, including renewable natural gas;
(b) a program to improve air quality through the use of natural gas or renewable natural gas; and
(c) does not include any program under Section 54-4-13.4.
(5) A gas corporation proposing a natural gas clean air program for approval by the commission under Subsection (3) shall seek input from:
(a) the Division of Public Utilities;
(b) the Office of Consumer Services; and
(c) any person that files a request for notice with the commission.
(6) The commission may review the expenditure made by a gas corporation for a natural gas clean air program to determine if the gas corporation made the expenditure prudently in accordance with the purposes of the program.
(7) If the commission approves a gas corporation's request under Subsection (3), the remaining costs may be spread to other customers of the gas corporation.
(8) A natural gas clean air program under Section 54-4-13.1 shall be considered distinct and independent of Section 54-4-13.4.
Amended by Chapter 460, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 13.4 - Natural gas fueling stations and facilities -- Recovery of expenditures for stations and facilities.

Effective 5/14/2019
54-4-13.4.
Natural gas fueling stations and facilities -- Recovery of expenditures for stations and facilities.
(1) The commission shall find that a gas corporation's expenditures for the construction, operation, and maintenance of natural gas fueling stations and appurtenant natural gas facilities are in the public interest and are just and reasonable, if:
(a) the gas corporation's expenditures for the fueling stations and appurtenant facilities:
(i) are prudently incurred; and
(ii) do not exceed $5,000,000 in any calendar year;
(b) the gas corporation shows that the estimated annual incremental increase in revenue related to the stations and facilities exceeds 50% of the annual revenue requirement of the stations and facilities; and
(c) the stations and facilities are in service and are being used and are useful.
(2)
(a) A gas corporation may seek the recovery of expenditures under Subsection (1) through a mechanism designed to track and collect the expenditures between general rate cases.
(b)
(i) The commission shall allow a gas corporation to recover, through an incremental surcharge to all of its rate classes, expenditures that the gas corporation incurs that are directly related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the stations and facilities described in Subsection (1), reduced by revenues the gas corporation receives during the same time period directly attributable to the stations and facilities.
(ii) The commission shall assign a surcharge under Subsection (2)(b)(i) to each rate class based upon the pro rata share, approved by the commission, of the tariff revenue ordered in the gas corporation's most recent general rate case.
(iii) A gas corporation may file an application to adjust a surcharge under Subsection (2)(b)(i) as frequently as semiannually.
(iv) At the gas corporation's next general rate case, the commission shall include in base rates all expenditures that the gas corporation prudently incurs associated with a surcharge under Subsection (2)(b)(i).
Amended by Chapter 460, 2019 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 14 - Safety regulation.

Effective 5/3/2023
54-4-14.
Safety regulation.
The commission shall have power, by general or special orders, rules or regulations, or otherwise, to require every public utility to construct, maintain and operate its line, plant, system, equipment, apparatus, tracks and premises in such manner as to promote and safeguard the health and safety of its employees, passengers, customers and the public, and to this end to prescribe, among other things, the installation, use, maintenance and operation of appropriate safety or other devices or appliances including interlocking and other protective devices at grade crossings or junctions, and block or other system of signaling, and to establish uniform or other standards of construction and equipment, and to require the performance of any other acts which the health or safety of its employees, passengers, customers or the public may demand, provided, however, that the department of transportation shall have jurisdiction over safety functions of public utilities as granted in Title 72, Transportation Code.
Amended by Chapter 66, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 16 - Investigation and report of accidents.

54-4-16.
Investigation and report of accidents.
The commission shall investigate the cause of all accidents occurring within this state upon the property of any public utility, or directly or indirectly arising from or connected with its maintenance or operation, resulting in loss of life or injury to persons or property and requiring in the judgment of the commission investigation by it, and shall have the power to make such order or recommendation with respect thereto as in its judgment may seem just and reasonable; provided, that neither the order nor recommendation of the commission nor any accident report filed with the commission shall be admitted as evidence in any action for damage based on or arising out of the loss of life or injury to person or property in this section referred to. Every public utility is hereby required to file with the commission, under such rules and regulations as the commission may prescribe, a report of each accident so occurring of such kinds or classes as the commission may from time to time designate. The Department of Transportation where private and public carriers are involved shall have and assume all powers heretofore held by the commission pursuant to this section; provided that the commission shall retain exclusive jurisdiction for the resolution of any dispute upon petition by any person aggrieved by any order of the department issued pursuant thereto.
Amended by Chapter 9, 1975 Special Session 1
Amended by Chapter 9, 1975 Special Session 1
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 18 - Electric, gas, and water service.

54-4-18.
Electric, gas, and water service.
The commission shall have power, after a hearing, to ascertain and fix just and reasonable standards, classifications, regulations, practices, measurements or service to be furnished, imposed, observed and followed by all electrical, gas and water corporations; to ascertain and fix adequate and serviceable standards for the measurement of quantity, quality, pressure, initial voltage or other conditions pertaining to the supply of the product, commodity or service furnished or rendered by any such public utility; to prescribe reasonable regulations for the examination and testing of such products, commodity or service, and for the measurement thereof; to establish reasonable rules, regulations, specifications and standards to secure the accuracy of all meters and appliances for measurements; and to provide for the examination and testing of any and all appliances used for the measurement of any product, commodity or service of any such public utility.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 19 - Right to enter upon public utility premises.

54-4-19.
Right to enter upon public utility premises.
The commissioners and officers and employees of the commission and the Department of Transportation, where public carriers are involved, shall have power to enter upon any premises occupied by any public utility for the purpose of making the examinations and tests and exercising any of the other powers provided for in this title and to set up and use on such premises any apparatus and appliances necessary therefor. The agents and employees of such public utility shall have the right to be present at the making of such examinations and tests.
Amended by Chapter 9, 1975 Special Session 1
Amended by Chapter 9, 1975 Special Session 1
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 20 - Consumer may have meter tested upon paying fee.

54-4-20.
Consumer may have meter tested upon paying fee.
Any consumer or user of any product, commodity or service of a public utility may have any appliance used in the measurement thereof tested, upon paying the fees fixed by the commission. The commission shall establish and fix reasonable fees to be paid for testing such appliances on the request of the consumer or user; the fee to be paid by the consumer or user at the time of his request, but to be paid by the public utility and repaid to the consumer or user under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the commission, if the appliance is found defective or incorrect to the disadvantage of the consumer or user.
No Change Since 1953
2023 Utah Code › Title 54 - Public Utilities › Chapter 4 - Authority of Commission Over Public Utilities › Section 21 - Valuation of public utilities.

54-4-21.
Valuation of public utilities.
The commission shall have power to ascertain the value of the property of every public utility in this state and every fact which in its judgment may or does have any bearing on such value. The commission shall have power to make revaluations from time to time and to ascertain the value of new construction, extensions, and additions to the property of every public utility; provided, that the valuation of the property of all public utilities doing business within this state located in Utah as recorded in accordance with Section 54-4-22 of this chapter shall be considered the actual value of the properties of said public utilities in Utah unless otherwise changed after hearings by order of the commission. In case the commission changes the valuation of the properties of any public utility said new valuations found by the commission shall be the valuations of said public utility for all purposes provided in this chapter.
No Change Since 1953