regulation, public utilities, ratepayers

Who Are We?

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is a quasi-judicial, regulatory agency established under Title 3, VIC Sec. 237.

Currently operating under the provisions of Title 30 Virgin Islands Code Chapter 1, the PSC has broad mandate to maintain an important balance between the public utilities in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the territory's ratepayers.

members

The PSC consists of 5 (five) voting members and 2 (two) non-voting or ex-officio members.

Voting Members

The five voting members are each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Non-Voting Members

The two non-voting members of the Commission are comprised of elected Senators and are appointed by the President of the Legislature.

operations, creation

The day to day operations of the PSC are headed by the Executive Director, Sandra L. Setorie and the Assistant Executive Director, Tisean T. Hendricks

Title 3, VIC Section 137 [repealed 1987] originally created the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission within the Department of Public Works, for administrative purposes. Title 3, VIC Section 273 continued the Commission within the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) for budgetary purposes and is one of twenty (20) major departments in the VI government.

reasonable, quality

Our Mission

The mission of the Public Services Commission of the Virgin Islands of the United States is to serve the best interest of the public, provide open and effective regulation, ensure fair and prudent rates with the highest quality of service in a safe, secure, consistent, and efficient manner while warranting infrastructure modernization, preservation of natural resources, protection of environmental quality, and adherence to the Territory’s policy commitments.

To achieve this, we:

  • Inspire customer – and solutions-oriented – employees to excel.
  • Ensure that residents receive appropriate levels of customer satisfaction and quality of service from those utilities regulated by this Commission.
  • Safeguard ratepayers by assuring safety, reliability, and quality public services.
  • Regulate monopoly, franchised and other services to ensure their rates, terms, conditions, and services are just, reasonable, transparent and offer the opportunity for a fair return on their investment.
  • Uphold fair and open competition among service providers.
  • Foster utilities infrastructure modernization and cost-effective use of resources.
  • Promote sustainable resources and environmental quality.
  • Resolve disputes among ratepayers and utility service providers.
  • Develop the future of the agency's workforce through employee training and professional development.
  • Educate and inform the public regarding the role and responsibilities of the agency
  • Empower utility ratepayers with knowledge of their rights and the obligations of regulated utilities.
  • Increase use of social media platforms to reach customers and residents.
  • Reinforce activities that encourage public trust and confidence.
  • Educate and empower utility ratepayers and inform the public regarding the role and responsibilities of the agency.
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1965

PSC Creation

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5

Voting Members

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2

Ex-Officio Members

protect, encourage, ensure, establish

Our Objectives

The Commission’s authority requires that it protect the interests of both utilities and ratepayers. The PSC regulates the utilities providing electric, potable water, telephone, cable TV and ferryboat services. It plays a key role in guaranteeing that the consumer, pay fair rates for these services.

Main Objectives

 

PROTECT

Consumers from unreasonable rates and terms of service.

 

 

ENCOURAGE

Maximum efficiency in utility company operations and management.

 

 

ENSURE

Public safety and help the public deal with regulated companies.

 

 

ESTABLISH

Regulatory standards and apply them in a fair and consistent manner.