I will soon introduce legislation to ensure improved rigorous oversight of our Commonwealth’s major utility providers. This legislation mandates that any electric, gas, telephone, or water utility with a plant in service valued at $10,000,000 or more must undergo a comprehensive audit performed by independent qualified auditors at least once every three years. This change to the current requirement establishes a strict and predictable schedule for assessing utility management and operations.

The legislation ensures these audits are not merely perfunctory by requiring an evaluation of specific, critical performance metrics. These comprehensive audits will include an assessment of management performance and organizational structure, operating efficiency, cost-control measures, and internal financial controls. Additionally, the scope of these audits is expanded to cover capital investment planning, customer service performance, billing accuracy, and full compliance with commission regulations and previous audit recommendations.

Our constituents deserve to have their utility companies held accountable. Please join me in co-sponsoring this critical, common-sense legislation. Together, we can ensure there is appropriate and consistent oversight of the Commonwealth’s utility companies.