Connecticut State Office of Consumer Counsel

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HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN A PUBLIC HEARING

    The State Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) holds public hearings to gather information from utility consumers on issues that may affect their rates or service.  Any customer of a public utility company may speak at a public hearing.

    1.  Plan to arrive at the hearing a few minutes early so that you can sign up with the DPUC representative to speak at the hearing.

    2.  At the beginning of the hearing, the DPUC Commissioner or Hearing Officer will ask if any consumers wish to speak on the record.  At that time, stand or raise your hand.
         a.  You will be sworn in or you will be asked to affirm if you have an objection to being sworn in.
         b.  You will be called upon to speak in the order in which you signed up. 

     3.  A Court Reporter records all the testimony given at the hearing.  You have the right to state your own opinions in your own words but you may not question the Commissioner or Hearing Officer or any of the parties to the case who may be in attendance. 

    4.  You may, however, speak with the representative of the Office of Consumer Counsel prior to or following the hearing.  **The Office of Consumer Counsel represents all consumers in cases that go before the DPUC.

    5.  If you are unable to attend a public hearing but wish to make your position known to the DPUC, you may put your comments in writing to:  Executive Secretary, Department of Public Utility Control, 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.  The DPUC does not accept comments about cases over the phone.  Your comments must be in writing to be included as part of the record in the case.

    6.  If you have an individual problem or complaint that the utility company has not handled to your satisfaction, you may write to the DPUC's Consumer Assistance Unit or call  1-800-382-4586 between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM weekdays.

     **The Office of Consumer  Counsel (OCC) is a party in contested cases that go before the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC).  Members of the public may attend any of the hearings held by the DPUC.   When hearings are held in towns that may be affected by the outcome of the case, a representative from the Office of Consumer Counsel will be in attendance to respond to questions concerning the case.