Section 2. The department shall be under the supervision and control of the commonwealth utilities commission, in this chapter called the commission, which shall consist of 3 members, 2 of whom shall be appointed and may be removed by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs for a term coterminous with that of the governor. The third member shall be appointed and may be removed by the secretary for a term of 4 years. The secretary shall designate one commissioner as chairman, who shall serve as chairman for 2 years, and may be reappointed, unless removed as chairman by the secretary, with the approval of the governor. Commission members shall have background or expertise in electricity or natural gas matters. Any appointment or removal by the secretary under this section shall require the approval of the governor. The commissioners shall devote their full time to the duties of their office. Not more than 2 members of the commission shall be members of the same political party. Any decision made or order issued by the commission may be made by majority vote of a quorum of 2 members.
The initial base salary of the chairman of the commission shall be $90,000, and the initial base salary of the other members shall be $82,500. Said salaries shall be subject to step increases consistent with the provisions of sections 45 and 46C of chapter 30. The members shall receive necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.
The commission shall make an annual report of its activities in January of each year to the general court.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 25 - Department of Public Utilities
Section 1 - Department of Public Utilities; Seal
Section 1a - Department Priorities
Section 2a - Energy Advisory Board; Membership; Duties
Section 3 - Commissioners; Oath; Interests in Regulated Industry Companies
Section 4 - Chairman of Commission; Powers and Duties; Hearings; Investigations; Reports
Section 4b - Authority of Commissioner Upon Declaration of State of Emergency
Section 5 - Rulings; Orders; Appeal; Costs; Staying Enforcement; Burden of Proof; Evidence
Section 5a - Witnesses; Summonses; Subpoenas; Fees
Section 5b - Rules and Regulations
Section 5c - Hazardous Materials; Rail Transportation Regulations
Section 5d - Trade Secrets, Confidential Information; Protection From Disclosure; Burden of Proof
Section 7 - Duties Relative to Common Carriers; Employees; Division of Railroad Track Inspection
Section 8 - Duties Relative to Common Carriers; Expenditures
Section 9 - Duties Relative to Water, Gas and Electric Companies; Expenditures; Employees
Section 10 - Officers and Employees; Supervision and Control
Section 12f - Transportation Division; Director; Assistants
Section 12g - Transportation Division; Investigations and Inquiries
Section 12n - Facility Siting Division
Section 12o - Department of Telecommunications and Energy Trust Fund
Section 12p - Department of Public Utilities Storm Trust Fund
Section 12q - Department of Public Utilities Energy Facilities Siting Board Trust Fund
Section 12r - Department of Public Utilities Unified Carrier Registration Trust Fund
Section 22 - Energy Efficiency Advisory Council; Membership; Duties; Quarterly Report to Council