As electricity demand grows, utility commissions are making increasingly complex decisions about affordability, reliability, transmission planning and grid modernization. A new report finds that well-designed intervenor compensation programs – which help public interest organizations, consumer advocates, Tribes and community-based organizations participate in utility commission proceedings by generally covering the costs of their time as well as legal, technical and expert support – can strengthen the evidentiary record by ensuring commissioners hear from a broader range of expertise, independent analysis and stakeholder perspectives. The report identifies practical recommendations to help states establish or strengthen these programs.
As report co-author Jolette Westbrook says, ” “Strong decisions depend on strong evidentiary records. Intervenor compensation helps ensure commissions hear the full range of expertise and perspectives needed to test assumptions, strengthen analysis and better serve the public.”
