Public Utilities Commission seeks commissioner pay adjustment and one-time equipment replacements; discusses regional transmission and records management

Kellen McGurkin, Legislative Services analyst, reviewed the Public Utilities Commission’s FY2026 request to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and said the agency’s operations are funded by assessments on regulated utilities rather than the general fund.

Why it matters: The PUC regulates investor-owned electric, gas, telecommunications and water utilities in Idaho. It sets assessments and uses dedicated fund revenues to cover personnel, legal and operating costs. The panel also said it is engaged in multi-state discussions about regional transmission organization options that could affect utilities and consumers.

Budget and staffing: The commission has 48 full-time positions, including three commissioners appointed by the governor. McGurkin said the agency typically tries to maintain an ending fund balance around 60% of total appropriation to cover timing differences in its biannual assessments. The FY2024 expense mix was roughly 75% personnel, 24% operating and 1% capital outlay.

Commissioner pay and one-time items: The commission requested a statutory adjustment to commissioner salaries set in Idaho Code section 61-215. The governor recommended a 5% increase (noted as $23,100 in total for the three commissioners). The agency also requested $114,100 one-time from its dedicated fund for equipment and IT replacements, including a pipeline safety truck and OS/IT hardware and licensing recommended by ITS.

Regional transmission and consumer protection: Commissioner Eric Anderson, who attended the hearing, described the commission’s ongoing involvement in regional energy and transmission discussions, including competing proposals for regional market structures in the West that could affect reliability and costs. He said the PUC’s role is to protect consumers while keeping utilities financially viable, and that any utility decision to join a regional transmission organization would require commission review and a formal order.

Records and document management: McGurkin and Anderson said the commission retains records going back to the early 20th century, has a secure records room and currently uses a small administrative team (four staff) to manage filings and document consolidation. The agency has moved many filings to electronic submission but retains historical records and a secure archive.

Committee Q&A: Senators and representatives questioned the commission on the statutory process for commissioner pay changes, the timing and purpose of one-time replacements, and regional issues. Anderson emphasized availability to meet with lawmakers and staff and noted commissioners attend regional meetings frequently to protect Idaho ratepayers’ interests.

Status: The requests were presented for JFAC consideration; the committee did not record a final vote at the hearing.