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Council asks staff to clarify New Shoreham’s ability to intervene in PUC matters involving ferries and utilities
Summary
Councilors requested a briefing on the town’s statutory standing in Public Utilities Commission dockets that affect Block Island ferries and the utility district. Staff said the town receives notices and will research the town’s automatic right to intervene and related procedures.
Councilors asked town staff for a briefing on the municipality’s legal standing in Public Utilities Commission (PUC) matters affecting ferry service and the utility district.
The presiding officer said the town should decide when to intervene in PUC proceedings after a recent settlement between an operator and the PUC drew local attention. Councilors said the town’s interests extend beyond that of a routine ratepayer when ferry reliability and service terms are at issue.
Town staff reported they receive notices for filings that involve Block Island and that there is statutory authority to receive notices when PUC filings affect the island. Staff also said they would confirm the town’s statutory rights to intervene automatically in ferry-related cases and whether the same right extends to matters involving the utility district.
Council members asked staff to summarize what categories of PUC dockets trigger automatic town notice or intervention rights, how to update council points of contact for notices, and how the town should evaluate whether to intervene in future dockets.
Staff told the council they have recently updated PUC points of contact and will gather the applicable statutes and precedent and report back with recommended procedures and options for participation in dockets that affect the island’s ferries or the utility district.
A motion to adjourn followed the discussion and was seconded; the meeting ended without further substantive action on PUC matters.
