Changes to PSC appeals process approved

Lawmakers passed a bill May 30 that changes appeal procedures for the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Under LB545, introduced by Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas, PSC appeals will go directly to the court of appeals instead of the district court as currently required under the Administrative Procedures Act. The appellate court will conduct a review of a PSC order de novo on the record.

Among other provisions, the bill also will:
• require that commission orders, except natural gas rate orders, may be reconsidered within 10 business days after the effective date of the order;
• suspend the time for filing a notice of intention to appeal pending resolution of a motion to reconsider; and
• allow parties to natural gas rate orders to file a motion for reconsideration within 30 days.

LB545 passed on a 43-2 vote.