What are the roles of the state and federal government in regulating public utilities?

The state and federal governments both play an important role in regulating public utilities. In California, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is responsible for regulating the rates, services, and conduct of investor-owned utilities such as electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies. The CPUC ensures that utility customers have access to quality services at reasonable rates, safe conditions, and reliable service. On the federal level, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is responsible for regulating the interstate sale, transportation, and storage of electricity and natural gas. Additionally, FERC regulates the transmission of oil by pipeline, natural gas services, and certain hydroelectric projects. FERC also has authority over transactions involving electricity and natural gas in wholesale markets. These two organizations have different roles in public utility regulation, but they do work together when needed. For example, the CPUC and FERC may coordinate to ensure that consumer protections and reliability standards are met. For example, the CPUC and FERC work together to ensure that electricity costs are reasonable and that there are safety measures in place for natural gas pipelines. Overall, the state and federal governments both play an important role in regulating public utilities. The CPUC works to ensure that consumers have access to quality services at reasonable rates, while the FERC regulates certain activities such as the sale, transportation, and storage of electricity and natural gas. Together, they maintain safe, reliable services for public utilities.

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What are the roles of the state and federal government in regulating public utilities?

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