Report, Procedural Equity at Public Utility Commissions: Developing a Baseline Assessment of Barriers and Opportunities

This January 2024 report from the Institute for Policy Integrity focuses on the efforts of state Public Utility Commissions to enhance procedural justice, that is, to ensure that disadvantaged communities are given fair hearing and consideration in the regulatory process. Commission decisions can affect the health, energy, environmental, and affordability burdens faced by minority, low-income, and otherwise disadvantaged communities. The report selects nine states to focus on, and reviews a range of practices and conditions potentially conducive to enhancing procedural justice in those states. “Procedural justice” encompasses fair access to process, the right to equal voice and representation during decision-making processes, respectful treatment, access to adequate information, and the impartiality of the decisionmaker. The report identifies six categories of practice that enhance procedural justice, and makes recommendations that other states may wish to follow.