The commission adopted new procedures on Feb. 16, 2006, to streamline its rulemaking process with the goal of improving public participation, creating better communication and speeding up the time needed to complete a project.

After a thorough review, the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) embarked on a mission to update, simplify and clarify rulemaking procedures, making them more understandable to the people the UTC serves.

“We’re pleased about these rulemaking changes and believe they’ll allow all of us to continue working effectively and more efficiently to provide clearer regulatory guidelines for businesses,” said Mark Sidran, chairman of the three member commission. “Simplifying our rules process is a win-win proposition, benefiting the agency and regulated companies.”

The commission is announcing five major changes to improve timeliness and customer service resulting in a more efficient and effective rulemaking process. The major changes are:

• Narrowing the scope of topics included in a rulemaking to complete projects within one year.
• Involving the commissioners and senior managers more in monitoring the rulemaking’s progress.
• Providing a summary of participants’ comments and the agency’s response.
• Sponsoring workshops and written-comment periods for participants in drafting a rule.
• Separating a rulemaking decisions from the UTC's open-meeting process to allow better communication.