ORS 756.500
Complaint

  • persons entitled to file
  • contents
  • amendments

(1)

Any person may file a complaint before the Public Utility Commission, or the commission may, on the commission’s own initiative, file such complaint. The complaint shall be against any person whose business or activities are regulated by some one or more of the statutes, jurisdiction for the enforcement or regulation of which is conferred upon the commission. The person filing the complaint shall be known as the complainant and the person against whom the complaint is filed shall be known as the defendant.

(2)

It is not necessary that a complainant have a pecuniary interest in the matter in controversy or in the matter complained of, but the commission shall not grant any order of reparation to any person not a party to the proceedings in which such reparation order is made.

(3)

The complaint shall state all grounds of complaint on which the complainant seeks relief or the violation of any law claimed to have been committed by the defendant, and the prayer of the complaint shall pray for the relief to which the complainant claims the complainant is entitled.

(4)

The complaint may, at any time before the completion of taking of evidence, be amended by order of the commission. However, if a charge not contained in the original complaint or a prior amended complaint is sought to be made by any such amendment, the defendant shall be given a reasonable time to investigate the new charge and answer the amended complaint. The final hearing shall, if necessary, be continued until some date after the defendant has had a reasonable time to investigate and be prepared to meet the amended complaint.

(5)

Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, any public utility or telecommunications utility may make complaint as to any matter affecting its own rates or service with like effect as though made by any other person, by filing an application, petition or complaint with the commission. [Formerly 756.520; 1987 c.447 §91; 1995 c.733 §68]

Source: Section 756.500 — Complaint; persons entitled to file; contents; amendments, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors756.­html.

Notes of Decisions

Public Utility Commission may hear complaint of public utility affecting rates or service filed against person whose business or activities are not subject to laws regulated by commission. Roats Water System v. Golfside Investments, LLC, 225 Or App 618, 202 P3d 199 (2009)

Public Utility Commission (PUC) had jurisdiction to hear complaint brought by any person against any person whose activities are regulated or enforced by statutes conferring jurisdiction on PUC, and PUC has authority to resolve contractual terms pursuant to conferred jurisdiction. PGE v. Alfalfa Solar I, LLC, 323 Or App 531, 524 P3d 124 (2023), Sup Ct review denied

756.010
Definitions 756.014
Public Utility Commission 756.016
Quorum 756.022
Oath of office 756.026
Prohibited interests of commissioner and family 756.028
Employee statements regarding prohibited interests 756.032
Employee dismissal for retention of prohibited interests or failure to file statements 756.034
Intent of prohibited interest provisions 756.036
Duties and functions 756.037
Commission authority to provide assistance, information, resources and advice to Legislative Assembly 756.040
General powers 756.045
Employing legal counsel 756.047
Authority of commission to require fingerprints 756.050
Office, office supplies and sessions of commission 756.055
Delegation of authority 756.060
Authority to adopt rules and regulations 756.062
Substantial compliance with laws adequate for commission activities 756.068
Service of notice or other legal process 756.070
Investigating management of utilities 756.075
Right of entry for examination of equipment, records or employees 756.090
Maintaining and producing records 756.105
Duty to furnish information to commission 756.115
Failure to furnish requested information 756.125
Interference with commission equipment 756.160
Enforcement of statutes and ordinances relating to utilities 756.180
Enforcing utility laws 756.185
Right to recover for wrongs and omissions 756.200
Effect of utility laws on common law and other statutory rights of action, duties and liabilities 756.305
Public Utility Commission Account 756.310
Annual fees payable by utilities and telecommunications providers 756.320
Statements accompanying fees 756.325
Distribution of information filed with commission 756.350
Penalty for failure to pay fees 756.360
Disposal and use of fees and penalties collected 756.450
Declaratory rulings 756.500
Complaint 756.512
Notice of complaint to defendant 756.515
Investigations and hearings on commission’s own motion 756.518
Procedures applicable to all matters before commission 756.521
Public hearings 756.525
Parties to proceedings 756.528
Segregation of issues 756.534
Place of hearings 756.538
Taking and use of depositions 756.543
Issuance of subpoenas 756.549
Self-incrimination of witnesses in commission proceedings 756.552
Self-incrimination of witnesses in court proceedings 756.555
Powers of commission at hearings 756.558
Taking of evidence 756.561
Rehearing 756.565
Prima facie effect of commission actions 756.568
Rescission, suspension and amendment of orders 756.572
Effect of orders on successors in interest 756.575
Notice of acceptance of terms of orders 756.610
Judicial review 756.990
Penalties
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through early 2026

§ 756.500’s source at oregon​.gov

 


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