This catalog description is a draft. The information given may be incomplete.

Variant Title: 51-3698






Arrangement: Numerical by case number.

Notes: Volume figures represent holdings in archives storage facilities only.

Gaps: Some case files are missing from their expected location in the overall arrangement. Missing cases initiated since 1976 may still be in the custody of the creating agency. Case files located at some future date should be integrated into their proper location in the overall arrangement.

Research Note: From 1917 to 1976, the commission assigned docket numbers to each formal case from 1 through 7221. Beginning in 1976, the commission adopted a three-part numbering system consisting of the year in which the pleading was filed, a code identifying the public utility, and a number representing that utility?s annual filings. For example, 82-35-4 denotes a 1982 filing by the Utah Power & Light Company, being the fourth filing by that company that year. To find a specific post-1976 case file, patrons should consult the company number list for an individual company?s identifying number, then search for that number in the case files of each individual year if other indexes fail.

Description:  This series documents the formal proceedings of the Utah Public Service Commission as it carried out its legislative mandate to supervise and regulate all public utilities within the state. The case files represent pleadings before the commission in the form of complaints, applications, or petitions which required a formal hearing. Cases not requiring a formal hearing were referred to as informal cases and comprise a separate series. Complaints could be brought by the commissions own motion or by any person or organization claiming a utility to be in violation of any law, rule, or order. Applications may include requests for certificates of convenience and necessity, contract carrier permits, interstate licenses, rate increases, rate reductions, relief from discriminatory charges, establishment of railroad crossings, switch connections and spurs, school bus crossings, and various other actions. The commissions jurisdiction extended over every gas, electric, telephone, telegraph, water, heat, transportation, and warehouse corporation which served the public for compensation. Notable cases include the dismantling of the Emigration Canyon railroad in 1917. These records are also commonly referred to as formal hearings, proceedings, or dockets.

Access Restrictions: Restricted. Access may be permitted under certain conditions. Contact the Utah State Archives for more information.
Access Restrictions: Some case files contain proprietary information and are classified as protected. Access may be restricted based on UCA 63-2-304. Contact research center staff or the creating agency for more information on access restrictions applicable to this series.

Finding Aids: Indexes: Series 693, Case file index provides company name access to cases from 1917 through 1975.

Indexes: An online index to companies with a docket summary is available.

Location of Holdings:
Only portions of the series may be in archival custody. Information about these records is available from the Utah State Archives Research Center , 300 South Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City, UT 84104-1106. (801) 533-3535, or email.

Retention and Disposition: Total retention is permanent as of 07/01/90.