Cable Television
Under the Virgin Islands Law, The Commission is authorized to supervise and regulate the Cable Television Service and rates of every cable television company, or system operating within the Territory.
The Commission may terminate or revoke a franchise if the operator fails to comply with the terms of its franchise agreement.
“Under Federal Law, the Public Services Commission’s ability it regulate rates for cable service and equipment is limited to the basic service level, associated equipment and installation charges, and the Commission must approve such rates if they are calculated in accordance with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).”
Complaints by any subscriber as to the operation of any cable television service, system or company may be filed in writing with the Public Services Commission.
If you have a complaint regarding your cable television provider, please visit our consumer page to file your complaint on line. The Commission within 30 days of the receipt of the complaint shall report in writing to the subscriber to the disposition or status of the complaint.
Ferry Boats
The Public Services Commission is authorized and directed to provide as an addendum and integral part of the franchise and in accordance with Virgin Islands Code to enforce rules governing adherence to schedules, fares, standards of service, personnel and equipment, and procedures for the hearing of complaints.
“Complaints by any individual as to rates and services provided by the Ferryboats may be filed in writing with the Public Services Commission. ”
Please visit our consumer page to file your complaint online. The Commission within 30 days of the receipt of the complaint shall report in writing to the complainant to the disposition or status of the complaint.
Telecommunications
The Virgin Islands Code assigns to the Public Services Commission the task of regulating public utilities in the Territory including telephone service.
The PSC is required to ensure that the telephone service “is reasonably safe and adequate and in all respects just and reasonable.”
The charge made to consumers by the telephone company is required to be “reasonable, just and non-discriminatory.”
The PSC must approve the rates charged by the telephone company for all services. The PSC is required by law to review those charges and services no less than every five years.
“In addition, consumers who dispute the billings of the telephone company may dispute the billing without risking termination of service for non-payment by depositing the disputed sum with the Public Services Commission until the dispute is resolved by the Commission.
The Commission’s complaint form is available on this website. Any appeal of a Public Services Commission decision must be filed with the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.”
The Public Services Commission’s regulatory power does not apply to cellular telephone service providers. Regulation of cellular telephone service providers is performed by the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, DC (fcc.gov).
FCC (Federal Communications Commisison)
888-225-5322 / 202-418-2860
fcc.gov
FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
888-382-4357
ftc.gov
Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
The Public Services Commission has been assigned broad and substantial authority in regard to the regulation of utilities in the Virgin Islands by the Legislature. That jurisdiction includes all parties providing electrical or water supply service, and further provide that all public utilities are required “to furnish service and facilities reasonably safe and adequate and in all respects just and reasonable.” 30 V.I.C. § 2. The Commission’s authority is to be liberally construed to effect its purposes. 30 V.I.C. § 41.
“The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s purpose is to furnish water supply and electric power services. ”
While WAPA was originally created to operate solely under the control of its board, including setting its own rates, the Legislature subsequently placed WAPA within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
The Attorney General of the Virgin Islands formally opined that Act of July 11, 1973, No. 3460, Sess. L. 1973, p. 164, put the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission when it fixes utility rates. 7 V.I.Op.A.G. 196.
The Legislature has directed that the Commission shall have “power to determine and by order fix and order to be substituted therefor such rate or rates, charges, or schedules as shall be just and reasonable.” 30 VIC § 23.
The PSC is required by law to review those charges and services no less than every five years.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) was established by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands and is charged with developing and implementing a comprehensive program for managing the Territory’s solid waste and wastewater systems.
The goals of the Authority are to provide reliable, cost-effective, high-quality solid waste and wastewater management services that protect public health and the environment.
“The responsibilities of the VIWMA include the collection and disposal of solid waste and wastewater and the operating and maintaining of these systems and the infrastructure that support them. ”
The rate surcharge, fees and other charges established by the VIWMA shall be subject to the regulation of the Public Services Commission.
Complaints by any individual as to the rates and /or services provided by the VI Waste Management Authority may be filed in writing by the Public Services Commission. Please visit our consumer page to file your complaint online. The Commissioner shall report the status of the complaint to the complainant in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the complaint.