§ 39-1-4. Composition of commission — Terms — Vacancies.
(a) The public utilities commission shall consist of three (3) electors selected with regard to their qualifications and experience in law and government, energy matters, economics and finance, engineering and accounting, and appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The term of each commissioner shall be six (6) years. The director of administration, with the approval of the governor, shall allocate the position of each commissioner to one of the grades established by the pay plan for unclassified employees.
(b) During the month prior to the expiration of the term of a commissioner, the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate shall appoint a commissioner to succeed the commissioner whose term will then next expire, to serve for a term of six (6) years commencing on the first day of March then next following, and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. A commissioner shall be eligible to succeed him or herself. Upon the expiration of the term of the chairperson, the governor may designate any commissioner as chairperson.
(c) A vacancy in the office of a commissioner, other than by expiration, shall be filled in like manner as an original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term. If a vacancy occurs when the senate is not in session, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy, but only until the senate shall next convene and give its advice and consent to a new appointment.
History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 7, § 12.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission
Section 39-1-1. - Declaration of policy — Purposes.
Section 39-1-2. - Definitions.
Section 39-1-3. - Commission and division established — Functions of commission — Administrator.
Section 39-1-4. - Composition of commission — Terms — Vacancies.
Section 39-1-5. - Removal of commissioner from office.
Section 39-1-6. - Holding over in office.
Section 39-1-7. - Powers of commission — Seal.
Section 39-1-8. - Quorum — Meetings.
Section 39-1-9. - Clerk — Oath of office.
Section 39-1-10. - Powers and duties of clerk.
Section 39-1-11. - Proceedings before commission.
Section 39-1-12. - Prehearing procedure — Formulating issues — Copies of exhibits.
Section 39-1-13. - Subpoena powers of commissioners.
Section 39-1-14. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-15. - Investigators and examiners.
Section 39-1-15.1. - Enforcement powers of inspectors.
Section 39-1-15.2. - Enforcement by police departments.
Section 39-1-16. - Depositions.
Section 39-1-17. - Consumers’ council participation.
Section 39-1-18. - Hearings and records — Certified copies.
Section 39-1-19. - Personnel — Legal representation.
Section 39-1-20. - Assistance for investigations and hearings.
Section 39-1-21. - Access to premises of utility.
Section 39-1-22. - False returns.
Section 39-1-23. - Administrative expenses — Assessment against utilities.
Section 39-1-24. - Certification, collection, and deposit of assessments.
Section 39-1-25. - Objection to assessments.
Section 39-1-27. - Electric distribution companies required to file restructuring plans.
Section 39-1-27.2. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-27.3.1. - Option to return to standard offer.
Section 39-1-27.4. - Transition charges authorized.
Section 39-1-27.5. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-27.6. - Standards of conduct.
Section 39-1-27.7. - System reliability and least-cost procurement.
Section 39-1-27.7.1. - Revenue decoupling.
Section 39-1-27.8. - Supply procurement portfolio.
Section 39-1-27.9. - Office of energy resources participation.
Section 39-1-27.11. - Affordable gas for public housing authorities.
Section 39-1-27.12. - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Plan.
Section 39-1-27.13. - Alternative suppliers and purchase of receivables program.
Section 39-1-28. - Acceptance of grants.
Section 39-1-29. - Proceedings before federal agencies — Cooperation with other agencies.
Section 39-1-30. - Zoning review — Approval of ordinances and regulations.
Section 39-1-30.1. - Validation of location of utilities.
Section 39-1-30.2. - Possession of land adverse to a utility.
Section 39-1-31. - Eminent domain.
Section 39-1-32. - Emergency powers of commission.
Section 39-1-34. - Disposition of fees.
Section 39-1-35. - Conflict of interest.
Section 39-1-36. - Offices of commission and division.
Section 39-1-37. - “Public utility administrator” defined — Continuity of functions.
Section 39-1-37.1. - Ratepayers advisory board.
Section 39-1-38. - Liberal construction — Incidental powers — Severability.
Section 39-1-39. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-40. - Toll-free telephone service for complaints.
Section 39-1-41. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-42. - Access to telephone information services for persons with disabilities.
Section 39-1-43. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-44. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-45. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-46. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-47. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-48. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-49. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-50. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-51. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-52. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-53. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-54. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-55. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-56. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-57. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-58. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-59. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-60. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-61. - Rhode Island telecommunications education access fund.