Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 860 – Public Utility Commission governs the regulation of investor-owned utilities in Oregon, including electric, gas, telecommunications, and certain water services. The rules are structured into multiple divisions, each addressing specific aspects of utility regulation.
📘 Chapter Structure & Key Divisions
Division 1 – General Rules
This division outlines the foundational rules for the Public Utility Commission (PUC), including definitions, procedures for filing documents, and general administrative guidelines.
Division 2 – Alternative Dispute Resolution
Establishes processes for resolving disputes between utilities and customers or other stakeholders through mediation and arbitration, aiming to reduce the need for formal hearings.
Division 11 – General
Addresses miscellaneous regulatory provisions that don't fall under other specific divisions.(casetext.com)
Division 13 – Pleadings and Tariff Filings
Specifies the requirements for utilities when filing tariffs and other documents with the Commission, ensuring transparency and consistency in utility operations.
Division 16 – Mediation and Arbitration Under the 1996 Telecommunications Act
Focuses on dispute resolution mechanisms for telecommunications services, in line with federal legislation.
Division 21 – Utility Regulation
Covers the overall regulatory framework for utilities, including licensing, operational standards, and compliance requirements.
Division 22 – Rates
Details the processes and criteria for setting utility rates, ensuring they are just and reasonable for consumers while allowing utilities to recover costs and earn a reasonable return.
Division 23 – Service Standards
Establishes minimum service quality standards that utilities must meet, including reliability, responsiveness, and customer service expectations.
Division 24 – Safety Standards
Outlines safety requirements for utility operations to protect public health and prevent accidents or service disruptions.
Division 25 – Regulations to Prevent Duplication of Facilities
Encourages the efficient use of infrastructure by minimizing the construction of redundant utility facilities.
Division 26 – Sales Promotion
Regulates utility marketing and promotional activities to prevent unfair practices and ensure transparency.
Division 27 – Budgets, Finance, Accounting, and Annual Reports
Mandates financial reporting and budgeting practices for utilities to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Division 28 – Pole and Conduit Attachments
Sets guidelines for the attachment of equipment to utility poles and conduits, balancing utility control with access for other service providers.
Division 29 – Regulations Related to Agreements Between Electric Utilities and Electric Cogeneration and Small Power Production Facilities
Establishes standards for agreements between utilities and small power producers, promoting renewable energy sources.
Division 30 – Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation
Promotes energy efficiency programs and initiatives for residential and commercial customers.
Division 31 – Inspection of Gas Pipeline Operators and Waiver of Safety Standards
Details inspection protocols for gas pipeline operators and conditions under which safety standards may be waived.(law.cornell.edu)
Division 32 – Telecommunications
Addresses the regulation of telecommunications services, including licensing and service quality standards.
Division 33 – Residential Service Protection Fund (RSPF)
Establishes a fund to assist low-income residential customers with utility bills.
Division 34 – Small Telecommunications Utilities and Cooperatives
Provides specific regulations for smaller telecommunications providers and cooperatives.
Division 36 – Water Utilities
Regulates water utility services, including service standards and rate-setting.
Division 37 – Wastewater Service Regulation for Joint Water/Wastewater Utilities
Addresses the regulation of joint water and wastewater utility services.(law.cornell.edu)
Division 38 – Direct Access Regulation
Allows certain customers to purchase electricity directly from suppliers, bypassing traditional utility services.
Division 39 – Net Metering Rules
Sets guidelines for customers who generate their own electricity (e.g., solar panels) and wish to feed excess power back into the grid.
Division 82 – Small Generator Interconnection Rules
Establishes standards for connecting small-scale generators to the utility grid.
Division 83 – Renewable Portfolio Standards
Sets requirements for utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources.
Division 84 – Solar Photovoltaic Programs
Promotes the development and integration of solar photovoltaic energy systems.
Division 85 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Addresses regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions from utility operations.
Division 86 – Customer Information
Regulates the collection, use, and protection of customer information by utilities.
Division 87 – Transportation Electrification Plans
Encourages the development of infrastructure and programs for electric transportation.
Division 88 – Community Solar Program Rules
Provides guidelines for community-based solar energy programs.
Division 89 – Competitive Bidding Guidelines
Establishes procedures for competitive bidding processes in utility procurement.
Division 91 – Small-Scale Renewable Energy Project Standard
Sets standards for small-scale renewable energy projects.
Division 95 – Resource Adequacy
Ensures that utilities maintain sufficient resources to meet customer demand.
Division 100 – Oregon Universal Service Fund (OUSF)
Establishes a fund to support universal access to telecommunications services.
Division 150 – Renewable Natural Gas
Addresses the development and integration of renewable natural gas into utility systems.(law.cornell.edu)
Division 200 – Qualified Project Determination
Provides criteria for determining qualified projects under certain programs.(law.cornell.edu)
Division 250 – Bias Providers Contracting with Public Bodies – Disclosures and Determinations
Requires disclosure of any bias by providers contracting with public bodies.(oregon.public.law)
Division 300 – Wildfire Mitigation Plans
Mandates utilities to develop and implement plans to mitigate wildfire risks.
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