R1 Organization

• Administrative Services:T he Administrative Services Section is responsible for fund administration, budget preparation, purchasing, central records control, business system administration, personnel, and administrative support.
• Administrative Hearings: The Administrative Hearings Section consists of administrative law judges (ALJs) and certified court reporters. ALJs establish procedural schedules, conduct hearings, and issue recommended decisions for all types of proceedings referred to them by the Commissioners. They also offer mediation services in connection with such proceedings. 
• Economics:  The Economics Section serves the agency through its analysis of investor-owned electric, natural gas distribution and transmission, propane distribution, water, and steam utilities regulated by the Commission. The section helps the Commission strike a balance between utilities' health and stability, consumer protection, and economic development.
• External Affairs: The External Affairs Unit resolves complaints between customers and regulated utility companies. It informs the public about PUC decisions and ratepayer issues through publications, as agency spokespeople, and through community outreach.
• Policy Advisory: The Policy Advisory Unit provides advice and technical training to the decision-makers of the Commission - the Commissioners and ALJs. This team handles all filings by determining the timing, disposition and weekly agenda to ensure that all statutory deadlines are met.
• Research & Emerging Issues: The Research & Emerging Issues Section advances policy discussions and Commission decisions concerning current and emerging issues that impact utilities and service providers regulated by the Colorado PUC and their customers. The team accomplishes this mission by initiating, facilitating, coordinating, and performing objective and balanced research and sharing the results of this work with the Commissioners and Staff.

• Energy: Responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, reliable, adequate, and efficient electric, gas, steam and water services to utility customers at rates that are just, reasonable, and not discriminatory. 
• Gas Pipeline Safety: Ensures the safety of utility services, conducting gas pipeline safety inspections and accident investigations.
• Telecommunications: Oversees telecommunications utilities through tariff administration, certification of new providers, service quality monitoring, market observation and study, administration of various telephone subsidy programs, and, analysis and development of regulatory schemes which help further development of a more competitive telecommunications market in Colorado. 
• Transportation: Transportation is comprised of two units. The Rates and Authorities Unit strives to ensure the affordability and availability of motor carriers transporting passengers for hire. The Investigations and Compliance Unit is responsible to enforce safety and operating rules. The staff of this unit investigate complaints of alleged illegal operations, conduct vehicle safety inspections, and check motor carrier records to ensure compliance with Commission rules and applicable State and Federal laws.
• Rail & Transit Safety: Responsible for safety at all public highway-rail crossings in Colorado, and is the State Safety Oversight Agency for rail fixed guideway systems. The Section conducts on-site safety inspections, accident investigations, and performs a complete audit of all transit agencies rail fixed guideway systems every three years.

Learn More About Regulated Industry Sections at the PUC