Ohio utilities commission turns 100

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is marking its 100th anniversary this month.

Utility and transportation regulation began in the state in 1867, when the General Assembly established the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads and Telegraphs, which primarily reported on the physical, financial and operating conditions of railroads and telegraph companies. In 1888, the Ohio Legislature added railroad safety to the office's responsibilities.

In 1906, the General Assembly passed legislation that restructured the office as the Railroad Commission and expanded its duties. The Public Service Commission then was established in 1911 to deal with public concerns outside of railroad issues, such as those involving telephone, electric, gas and water companies.

The office's name was changed to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in 1913. A major change occurred in 1983, when the commission expanded from a three- to five-person body, PUCO officials said in a press release, noting that commissioners remain appointed by the governor and serve five-year terms.

Today, PUCO regulates providers of all kinds of utility services, including electric and natural gas companies; local and long distance telephone companies; water and wastewater companies; and rail and trucking companies. The commission governs rail safety, including the state of grade crossings.

"Reaching this milestone is special because the commission's work has evolved over the past 100 years and we anticipate the commission continuing to evolve in our duties and obligations as the energy, telecommunication and transportation industries continue to evolve," said PUCO Chairman Todd Snitchler.