Regulatory Affairs & Public Advocacy

Summary of Responsibility

The responsibility of public advocacy for regulatory affairs was established within the Department of Law to advocate on behalf of the public interest in utility and pipeline matters that come before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA or Commission). AS 44.23.020(e). The Attorney General, as the Public Advocate, advocates for the general public interest with particular attention to the interests of consumers who would not otherwise have an effective voice regarding the rates and services of regulated utilities or pipeline carriers operating in the state. Advocacy is not strictly limited to asking for the lowest possible rate for services provided to the public, but is instead balanced to also ensure utility and pipeline service providers are financially healthy enabling them to provide safe and reliable service.

Regulatory Affairs & Public Advocacy (RAPA) History

Regulatory Affairs & Public Advocacy (RAPA) Personnel

Legal Services Provided

The Public Advocate represents the general public interest in rate cases and other proceedings before the RCA, in court appeals, before the Legislature and other policymakers. The Department of Law does not provide legal services directly to private citizens or organizations, however, other than to persons specified by law such as the governor, legislators, and client state agencies. Individual utility customers who seek specific assistance may contact the Consumer Protection Section of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).

In his role as the Public Advocate, the Attorney General utilizes the expert professional services of RAPA staff non-attorney professionals who provide generally accepted ratemaking, accounting, engineering, economic and policy analysis for all types of regulated utilities and pipelines and prepare written analysis and testimony for evidentiary hearings. Utility and pipeline carrier filings before the RCA are objectively evaluated to assure they are in compliance with applicable law and RCA precedent, adequately supported by the evidence, and consistent with generally recognized ratemaking principles.

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Recent Cases (alphabetical)

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Law Resources