[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGULATORY UTILITY 
                             COMMISSIONERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETER WELCH

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2014

  Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 125th 
anniversary of the National Association of Regulatory Utility 
Commissioners, the national association representing our nation's State 
utility economic regulators.
  The work of our nation's public utility regulators often goes 
unnoticed and unheralded until the lights go out or our utility rates 
increase. But rest assured, the work these officials do on a daily 
basis impacts every single one of us in the country.
  State utility regulators ensure the rates we pay for utility services 
are fair, just, and reasonable. They help make sure the utilities 
deliver these services--electricity, natural gas, water, and 
telecommunications--in a safe and reliable manner.
  NARUC offers its members countless opportunities for education, 
sharing of best practices, advocacy, and much more. Since March of 
1889, the Association has provided resources aimed at improving 
regulatory practices. Since just about all of us pay utility bills in 
some way or another, we have all benefited from NARUC's work over the 
last century and a quarter.
  One hundred and twenty five years ago the electricity industry was in 
its infancy. Alexander Graham Bell was still perfecting his 
groundbreaking invention called the telephone. We were still learning 
how best to transport water and natural gas.
  We can now electrify our homes from solar rooftops. We can carry our 
personal computers in our pockets on our smart phones. We are using new 
technologies to find abundant resources of natural gas.
  The one constant has been NARUC and the quality utility regulation it 
promotes. I want to thank NARUC and congratulate it on this 125th year 
anniversary.

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