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Tennessee Regulatory Authority
Contents |
Current officeholder
The current chairman is Kenneth Hill. He serves alongside Mary Freeman and Sara Kyle. Former director Eddie Roberson tendered his resignation, effective October 1, 2011.[1]
Authority
The Tennessee Regulatory Authority was created in 1995 by the Tennessee General Assembly.[2] Title 65, Chapter 1, Part 1 of the Tennessee code annotated formally establishes the authority:
Title 65, Chapter 1, Part 1:
| There is created the Tennessee regulatory authority consisting of four (4) directors. The directors shall be appointed as follows: one (1) shall be appointed by the governor, one (1) shall be appointed by the speaker of the senate, one (1) shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, and one (1) director shall be appointed by joint agreement among the governor, the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives. In making the appointments pursuant to this subsection (a), the governor, the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall strive to ensure that the Tennessee regulatory authority is composed of directors who are diverse in professional or educational background, ethnicity, geographic residency, heritage, perspective and experience. |
Appointments
The authority's four directors are each appointed from a different source: one by the governor, one by the president of the state senate), one by the speaker of the state house, and one by joint appointment.[2] The directors are appointed to staggered, six-year terms. All appointments must be confirmed by joint resolution by both the state senate and state house, except the director who is appointed by joint appointment of the three appointing authorities.[3]
Vacancies
Title 65, Chapter 1, Part 1 of the Tennessee Code requires that "any vacancy on the authority shall be filled by the original appointing authority for such position to serve the unexpired term and such appointments shall be confirmed in the same manner as the original appointment. However, if the general assembly is not in session and a vacancy occurs, the appropriate appointing authority shall fill such vacancy by appointment and the appointee to such vacancy shall serve the unexpired term unless such appointment is not confirmed within thirty (30) days after the general assembly convenes following the appointment to fill such vacancy."[3]
Divisions
- Consumer Services: This division ensures consumers receive an adequate level of service from regulated companies and educates consumers regarding changes and new programs in the regulated utility sector.
- Economic Analysis and Policy: This division provides research, analysis and advice to the Directors and staff of the TRA regarding matters of economics and public policy.
- Gas Pipeline Safety: This division contributes to the safety and reliability of natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline facilities to minimize the risk to public health and safety associated with the accidental release of natural gas.
- Utilities: This division provides the agenc with detailed analyses, recommendations and technical assistance needed to make informed decisions on issues related to the development of competitive markets and the preservation of affordable prices for utility services in Tennessee.[2]
Compensation
In 2010, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority commissioners were each paid an estimated $150,000 according to the Council of State Governments.[4]
Contact information
Tennessee Regulatory Authority
460 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Toll-free: (800) 342-8359
TTY: (888) 276-0677
See also
External links
References
- ↑ TN.gov, "Roberson resignation letter," retrieved October 24, 2011
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 TN.gov, "TRA agency information," accessed October 24, 2011
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lexisnexis.com, "Tennessee Code Ann. § 65-1-101," accessed October 24, 2011
- ↑ The Council of State Governments,"The Book of States 2010 Table 4.11," retrieved May 14, 2011
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