Wyoming Public Service Commission

The Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) is a three-member executive board that regulates monopoly public utilities within the state ^[2][2] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "Our Story." Wyoming Public Service Commission, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://psc.wyo.gov/about-us/our-story. Operating as an independent agency, the PSC oversees electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications services to ensure safe and reliable utility delivery ^[1][1] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "About Us." Wyoming Public Service Commission, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://psc.wyo.gov/about-us. The Governor appoints three commissioners to staggered six-year terms with Senate confirmation, ensuring no more than two members belong to the same political party ^[2][2] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "Our Story." Wyoming Public Service Commission, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://psc.wyo.gov/about-us/our-story. The agency employs approximately 30 staff members, including attorneys and engineers, to support its regulatory functions ^[8][8] Richards, Heather. "The Wyoming PSC's uncomfortable moment in the spotlight." WyoFile, 19 Nov. 2019, https://wyofile.com/the-wyoming-pscs-uncomfortable-moment-in-the-spotlight/. For the 2024-2026 fiscal biennium, the Wyoming Legislature approved a budget of $18,388,155 for the commission ^[5][5] Ballotpedia. "Wyoming Public Service Commission." Ballotpedia, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://ballotpedia.org/Wyoming_Public_Service_Commission. The PSC reports its activities through annual reports and follows mandates established in Title 37 of the Wyoming Code ^[1][1] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "About Us." Wyoming Public Service Commission, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://psc.wyo.gov/about-us.

Historical Background

The Wyoming Legislature established the Public Service Commission in 1915 to regulate utility monopolies and protect consumer interests ^[1][1] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "About Us." Wyoming Public Service Commission, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://psc.wyo.gov/about-us. Initially, the commission consisted of the Governor, State Auditor, and State Treasurer ^[3][3] Wikipedia. "Wyoming Public Service Commission." Wikipedia, 6 Feb. 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming_Public_Service_Commission. In 1919, the legislature reorganized the body and designated the State Board of Equalization to serve as its ex-officio members ^[3][3] Wikipedia. "Wyoming Public Service Commission." Wikipedia, 6 Feb. 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming_Public_Service_Commission. This structure remained until 1967 when Governor Stanley K. Hathaway recommended a formal separation of the two entities ^[3][3] Wikipedia. "Wyoming Public Service Commission." Wikipedia, 6 Feb. 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming_Public_Service_Commission. The legislature subsequently split the commission from the Board of Equalization, creating the independent agency structure that exists today ^[3][3] Wikipedia. "Wyoming Public Service Commission." Wikipedia, 6 Feb. 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming_Public_Service_Commission. Throughout its history, the PSC has expanded its authority to include pipeline safety, the 'Call Before You Dig' program, and the Wyoming Universal Service Fund ^[1][1] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "About Us." Wyoming Public Service Commission, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://psc.wyo.gov/about-us.

Current Events

In March 2026, the Wyoming Legislature's Joint Corporations Interim Committee identified electricity reliability and large electric loads as top study priorities for the year ^[10][10] Wyoming Legislature. "2026 Interim Topics Proposed for the Corporations Committee." Wyoming State Legislature, 17 Mar. 2026, https://wyoleg.gov/InterimCommittee/2026/07-202603177-01.pdf. The committee plans to review PSC operations and address small water utility viability during its 2026 meetings ^[10][10] Wyoming Legislature. "2026 Interim Topics Proposed for the Corporations Committee." Wyoming State Legislature, 17 Mar. 2026, https://wyoleg.gov/InterimCommittee/2026/07-202603177-01.pdf. Effective January 1, 2026, the commission set the authorized interest rate for customer deposits at 5.66% per annum ^[6][6] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "2026 Interest Rate Set." Wyoming Public Service Commission, 17 Oct. 2025, https://psc.wyo.gov/consumers/authorized-interest-rate. The PSC also scheduled a public hearing for February 5, 2026, to review a Wildfire Mitigation Plan submitted by Montana-Dakota Utilities ^[7][7] Wyoming Public Service Commission. "Public Notices." Wyoming Public Service Commission, 30 Dec. 2025, https://psc.wyo.gov/news-current/public-notices. These actions follow the October 2025 appointment of Commissioner Christopher Boswell, who filled a vacancy left by the resignation of Mary Throne ^[9][9] Buckrail. "Gov. appoints Christopher Boswell to Wyo Public Service Commission." Buckrail, 3 Oct. 2025, https://buckrail.com/gov-appoints-christopher-boswell-to-wyo-public-service-commission/. The commission continues to manage complex rate disputes, including a 2025 appeal regarding $23.5 million in costs claimed by Rocky Mountain Power ^[11][11] Cowboy State Daily. "Public Service Commission To Appeal Ruling That RMP Customers Owe Utility $23.5M." Cowboy State Daily, 16 Oct. 2025, https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/10/16/public-service-commission-to-appeal-ruling-that-rmp-customers-owe-utility-23-5m/.