Vermont PUC Public Records Request: How to Submit & Access

• The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) aims for open examination of its records, with Holly Anderson serving as the official custodian.
• Requests for Vermont PUC records can be submitted via email to puc.clerk@vermont.gov, by phone, mail, or in person, with an electronic system (ePUC) available for many documents.
• The Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320) mandates a three-business-day response, extendable to ten days under unusual circumstances, with all denials or extensions requiring written certification.
• Certain records are exempt from disclosure under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), such as quasi-judicial deliberation materials.
• Denied requests can be appealed to the PUC Chair, who must respond within five business days and inform requesters of judicial review options under 1 V.S.A. § 319 if the appeal is upheld.

The official custodian for all Vermont Public Utility Commission records is Holly Anderson, who can be reached directly at (802) 828-2358.

Attorneys and compliance officers seeking official documentation from the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) must navigate a clear process designed to ensure transparency, in line with the state's policy of liberally construing the Public Records Act. The Commission maintains a commitment to the free and open examination of its records, with the State of Vermont also maintaining a centralized database for all public record requests. The official custodian for all Vermont Public Utility Commission records is Holly Anderson, who can be reached directly at (802) 828-2358.

Requests for these records can be submitted through various channels, including email, telephone, traditional mail, or in-person visits. For maximum efficiency, the easiest method for submitting a Vermont PUC public records request is via email to puc.clerk@vermont.gov. For those preferring postal communication, requests should be addressed to Holly R. Anderson, Clerk of the Commission, at Public Utility Commission, 112 State Street, 4th Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-2701. A significant portion of the Commission's recent records, alongside its official orders dating back to the early 1970s, are readily accessible through the ePUC document system, the Commission's electronic document-management platform.

Should an in-person inspection of records be necessary, individuals must first contact the Clerk of the Commission at (802) 828-2358 to schedule an appointment. Such inspections are available on weekdays, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, during specific hours: from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Upon arrival, the custodian or another designated Commission staff member will promptly provide the requested record for inspection, unless it falls under a Vermont public records exemption or is currently in storage, rendering it unavailable for immediate use.

The framework governing access to these documents is codified within the Vermont Public Records Act, specifically 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320, which outlines the policy, access rights, definitions, and exemptions pertinent to public records. Upon receiving a Vermont PUC public records request, the Commission is generally required to either produce the record for inspection or issue a written certification stating that the record is exempt within three business days. This certification must clearly identify the withheld records and provide the statutory basis for the denial.

However, certain "unusual circumstances" may necessitate an extension of this response period, allowing up to ten business days to fulfill the request. Such circumstances might include the need to conduct extensive searches through voluminous records or the requirement to consult with another state agency, such as the Attorney General's Office. Any decision to extend the response time must be communicated to the requester in writing. Furthermore, if a requested record does not exist, the custodian or a staff member is obligated to provide written certification confirming its non-existence.

It is crucial for requesters to be aware that certain Vermont Public Utility Commission records are exempt from public disclosure. These specific Vermont public records exemptions are detailed under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c). For instance, internal materials prepared for or records of the Commission's deliberations in its quasi-judicial capacity are explicitly exempt from public access under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c)(24). In instances where a request is denied, the custodian or relevant staff member must issue a written certification that identifies the records being withheld and cites the precise statutory basis for the denial.

Should a requester believe their Vermont PUC public records request was improperly denied, an internal appeal mechanism is available. The appeal must be directed to the Chair of the Public Utility Commission. The Chair is mandated to issue a determination regarding the appeal within five business days of its receipt. If the appeal is upheld, either in full or in part, the Chair will then inform the requester about the provisions for judicial review of that determination, as outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 319. Additionally, for cases where the Commission is authorized to levy charges for the provision of public records, it will adhere to the Secretary of State's Uniform Schedule of Public Record Charges for State Agencies.

Lawyers and compliance officers needing to access official documents from the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) must understand the specific procedures, contact information for the records custodian (Holly Anderson), and statutory framework (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320) outlined here. This information is critical for submitting effective public records requests, navigating potential denials, and understanding applicable exemptions, ensuring compliance and efficient information gathering for regulatory matters or due diligence.

Source: Original reporting via Vermont Public Utility Commission