40-464

40-464. Powers and duties

A. The director may:

1. Research, study and analyze residential utility consumer interests.

2. Prepare and present briefs, arguments, proposed rates or orders and intervene or
appear on behalf of residential utility consumers before hearing officers and the
corporation commission as a party in interest and also participate as a party in interest
pursuant to sections 40-254 and 40-254.01 in proceedings relating to rate making or rate
design and involving public service corporations, except that the director shall not
participate in any proceedings pursuant to this paragraph involving a member-owned
nonprofit cooperative corporation.

3. Make and execute contracts and other instruments as necessary to perform his
duties.

4. Hire employees as necessary to carry out this article and contract for special
services as needed.

5. Employ such attorneys as are required to represent the interests of residential
utility consumers.

B. The director shall adopt administrative rules necessary to carry out the
purposes of this article.

C. All contacts by residential utility consumers with regard to quality or quantity
of service provided by a public service corporation shall be recorded by the office for
the purpose of determining general concerns of consumers. The office may advise the
consumer of other agencies that may be of further assistance and shall refer the consumer
to the corporation commission utilities division consumer services section established in
section 40-110.