Records Appraisal Report:
Public Utility Commission

Contents of this report
Agency Contact | Agency History | Project Review | Record Series Reviews

Internal links to series reviews
Biennial budget requests
Executive orders
Administrative meeting file
Administrative meeting transcripts
Final order meeting transcripts
Correspondence, Administrative
Correspondence, Administrative - Executive Director
Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Regulatory Affairs
Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Policy Development
Speeches
Publication files
Strategic planning files
Planning records
Policies and procedures manual
Reports, Administrative
Reports, Annual and biennial
Reports and papers, Conference
Press releases
Photograph files
Legal opinions and advice
Policy and procedure manual for internal audits
Planning records
Building construction project files
Policies and procedures manuals
Publication files
Reports, Consultants and committees
Reports and papers, Conference
Reports and studies, Final
Building plans and specifications
Policies and procedures manuals
Reports, Administrative
Rules correspondence
Reference materials (maps)
Operations Review office manual
Finance Section procedure manual
Management audit implementation completion reports
Compliance audit reports
Audit proposals
Field investigation reports
Service performance index summary
Service interruption summary report
Strategic plans
Organization charts

Related report
1999 Addendum

Archival finding aid
Texas Public Utility Commission: An Inventory of Records at the Texas State Archives, 1975-2002

November 5, 1996, Laura K. Saegert, Appraisal Archivist

Agency Contact

This agency contact information was current at the time of the report but may have changed in the interim. Please call (512-463-5455) for current contact information of the agency's records manager or records liaison for these records.

Helen Clements
Library Manager
Public Utility Commission of Texas
1701 N. Congress
Austin, TX 78701

Agency History and Structure

The Public Utility Commission was created in 1975 by the Public Utility Regulatory Act, House Bill 819, 64th Legislature, Regular Session. The Commission assumed its regulatory duties on January 1, 1976. The Commission is composed of three salaried members, appointed by the governor with concurrence of the Senate to six-year overlapping terms. The governor designates the chair. For two years prior to their appointment, the commissioners may not have served as officers, directors, owners, employees, partners, or legal representatives of any public utility or affiliated interest, and may not have owned stocks or bonds worth $10,000 or more in a public utility, affiliated interest, or direct competitor of a public utility.

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates telecommunication and electric services in Texas. It has original jurisdiction over electric utilities which operate in unincorporated areas of Texas, local exchange telephone companies, and several river authorities in the state. In September 1995, electric and telephone cooperatives received the option of requesting that their rates be deregulated and some have done so. The generating facilities of the Lower Colorado River Authority were also removed from PUC jurisdiction.

The primary role of the Commissioners is to serve in a judicial capacity in utility rate cases and other proceedings, including considering requests for notice of intent, requests for certificates of operating authority (formerly certificates of convenience and necessity), and requests for deregulation. The Commissioners articulate policy through the issuance of final orders and rules. The Commissioners hold meetings once or twice a month to consider cases, adopt agency rules, make legislative recommendations, develop long-range agency goals and plans, and set regulatory policy. The Commission has the authority to make and enforce rules necessary to carry out its functions.

Additional duties of the Commission include monitoring the management of all public utilities, conducting management audits of utilities under its jurisdiction, investigating property sales and mergers by utilities, registering telecommunication providers, and encouraging use of alternative energy resources.

In 1995 the 74th Legislature passed legislation which significantly changed the focus of the Public Utility Commission and resulted in a major reorganization of the agency. The legislation provided an option for the deregulation of rates for electric and telephone utility cooperatives, and also mandated that the Lower Colorado River Authority was no longer regulated by the PUC with respect to its electric generating and transmission facilities.

The Texas Telecommunications Act, or House Bill 2128, directed the PUC to advance the development of competition in the telephone service at the local level. The Commission must protect the public interest while fostering competition and advancement in telecommunications. A key issue in this bill was the opening of the local telecommunications market to competition with the issuing of two types of certificates to new telecommunications companies. The bill brought forth changes in rate regulation of companies and defined policy goals for the development of an advance telecommunications infrastructure in the state.

Senate Bill 373 affected electric utility regulation. The bill includes significant changes to promote the development of competition among wholesale providers of electricity. The Commission is mandated to prepare a statewide integrated resource plan presenting demand projections, resource needs, and solicitation plans. It also changes and clarifies matters regarding the regulatory authority of municipalities.

The agency underwent a major reorganization in 1995, going from seven divisions--Administrative Division, Electric Division, Telephone Division, General Counsel Division, Hearings Division, Information Systems and Services Division, and Operations Review Division; to three offices- -Office of Policy Development, Office of Regulatory Affairs, and the Executive Office. The latter two offices each contain several divisions. The Hearings Division of the Commission was transferred to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, as mandated by SB 373, 74th Legislature, 1995.

The Office of Policy Development functions as the policy chief of the agency. This office manages strategic analysis and planning for regulatory issues affecting telephone and electric matters, organizes public hearings in rulemaking projects, prepares preliminary orders in some key protested cases that identify issues of significant policy interest, and prepares final orders in accord with Commission vote.

The Office of Regulatory Affairs is responsible for developing the record in protested cases that are sent to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The office also reviews unprotested filings, develops and prepares for publication amendments to the Commission's Substantive and Procedural rules, and initiates and prosecutes enforcement actions. The Financial Review Division analyzes the operations and financial condition of utilities regulated by the PUC. The Legal Division (formerly the General Counsel) consist of attorneys which manage the cases and rules. The former Electric and Telephone Divisions are now the Industrial Analysis Division (focusing on telephone networks, tariffs, engineering issues, electric generation methods, and fuel), and the Competitive Issues Division (analyzing economic issues, costs, and rates).

The Executive Office contains the Administrative Services Division, Public Information, Consumer Affairs, Information Systems and Services areas, and Legal Administration areas. The Administrative Services Division provides general and operational support for the agency and includes Personnel and Fiscal areas, and the Library. Legal Administration is headed by the secretary of the Commission and handles all the tariffs and unprotested cases and coordinates processing of cases sent to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Administration of the Commission is by an executive director. The agency staff consisted of 224 employees in FY 1995.

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Project Review

I was assigned to review the records of this agency in November, 1995. I have reviewed the agency history in the Guide to Texas State Agencies (1975, 5th edition, 1993, 8th edition, advance copy of 1995, 9th edition); Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1446c; 16 Texas Administrative Code, Part II; several reports produced by the Public Utility Commission--Annual reports for 1994 and 1995, Annual financial report for 1994, Request for Legislative Appropriations for FY 1996/97, and the Strategic Plan for 1995-1999; and the Sunset Commission report on the agency, 1992. I have reviewed the destruction requests from the Public Utility Commission, their records retention schedule, and the records of the Board already housed in the Archives and Information Services Division.

On the current schedule of the Board there are six series designated as archival, "A" code, and thirty-two series designated for archival review, "R" code.

The archival series are:

Executive orders
Organization charts, Original
Organization charts, Agency copy
Biennial budget requests
Administrative meeting transcripts
Final order meeting transcripts.

The archival review series are:

Correspondence, Administrative
Speeches
Publication files
Planning records
Policies and procedure manuals (Executive Director's office)
Reports, Administrative (Executive Director's office)
Reports and papers, Conference (Executive Director's office)
Press releases
Photograph files
Reports, Annual and biennial
Legal opinions and advice
Policy and procedure manual for internal audits
Planning records
Reports, Administrative (Administrative Div.)
Building construction project files
Employee recognition awards
Policies and procedures manuals (Electric Div.)
Reports, Consultants and committees
Reports and papers, Conference (Electric Div.)
Reports and studies, Final
Policies and procedure manuals (Economics and Regulatory Policy Div.)
Rules correspondence
Rules and regulations
Reference materials (maps)
Operations Review office manual
Finance Section procedure manual
Management audit implementation completion reports
Compliance audit reports
Audit proposals
Field investigation reports
Service performance index summary
Service interruption summary report.

There were also five series which should be scheduled for archival review on the schedule and were not:

Strategic planning files
Administrative meeting file
Publications files
Building plans and specifications
Reports, Administrative (Economics and Regulatory Policy Div.)

I prepared a list of questions concerning series on the retention schedule with archival codes of "R" or "A" and mailed these along with our letter of introduction to Brenda Jenkins, Executive Director, Public Utility Commission, January 29, 1996.

On April 22, 1996, the records consultant, Kay Steed, and myself met with the Records Administrator, Helen Clements, and several staff members with records responsibilities in various divisions. These individuals were Cindi Slay, Lucy Davila, Lisa Trueper, Fran Howley, Iris Ericson, Rhonda Dempsey, and Vickie Schubert. I went over the questions I had prepared and answered numerous questions from the PUC staff concerning the "A" and "R" series, and Kay answered several records management questions pertaining to non-archival series or concerning general recordkeeping issues. It was discovered that several series on the schedule were empty of records or miscoded, which will be detailed in the Project Outcome section. I also found out that the agency had very recently undergone a major reorganization. As the records schedule was organized by divisions within the agency, the reorganization affected the appraisal process. Several of the divisions listed on the schedule as having archival or archival review records have been changed--some just a name change, others have been dissolved, with the functions and records being absorbed into other divisions. This transformation will be detailed in the agency history and structure section of the series reports for the affected divisions.

Because of the large number of "A" and "R" series we were concerned with (38 on the schedule, 5 not on the schedule) and the number of questions asked and answered, I was not able to gather much of the information I needed to finish the report. I left series report forms with the RA, Helen Clements, who filled out the forms with the necessary data and returned them to me in small batches over the summer. The Public Utility Commission moved its offices during September 1996, so it took longer than usual to retrieve the data I needed due to the fact the RA, who is also the librarian, was packing up the Library for the move.

After the meeting Helen Clements showed me some boxes of commissioner's correspondence files she wished to transfer to the Archives and Information Services Division. These are on the schedule as administrative correspondence and were transferred late in May. I have also received two small accessions containing organization charts and a policy manual.

In addition to the scheduled "A" and "R" series, I have prepared appraisal series reports for one series not coded as archival on the schedule, but which is a permanent series--Reports, Annual and biennial; for an archival series which needs to be added to the schedule, Strategic plans; and for five series which were not coded for archival review on the schedule but which require archival review, Strategic planning files and Administrative meeting files (Executive Director's office); Publications files and Building plans and specifications (Electric Division); and Reports, Administrative (Economics and Regulatory Policy Division). I also prepared series reports for three administrative correspondence series which are not on the schedule but require archival review and need to be added to the schedule. These are Correspondence, Administrative - Executive Director; Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Regulatory Affairs; Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Policy Development.

I also inquired about a non-archival series on the schedule due to its relationship with administrative correspondence within some of the divisions. The series is CR-12, Rule-making projects. Some of the divisional administrative correspondence concerns rule-making, containing correspondence (or copies of letters filed in CR-12) about proposed and adopted rules. Rule-making projects is a central file for rule-making materials, including the draft of the rule, correspondence about the rule, and comments on the rule by interested parties. Materials are often duplicated for the central file and the division correspondence. After discussing this series with the RA, I discovered that the majority of the discussion about proposed and adopted rules is present in the Commission meeting transcripts. Also, a summary of the comments about adopted rules is published in the Texas Register. Due to the availability of this information in either the Texas Register or the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7, both of which are permanent records, this series does not need to be considered for archival review.

Another non-archival series on the schedule I inquired about was series ED-4, Administrative meeting, Executive session audio tapes. These are tapes of closed sessions at which litigation or sensitive personnel matters are discussed. These materials are closed - Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6252-17. Discussions of personnel materials are not archival, and the litigation discussed will be documented in agency publications once this case is settled, which will be sufficient coverage for archival concerns. The Commission's annual report discusses significant litigation affecting the agency and a monthly publication of the PUC, The Bulletin, discusses dockets and records memorandum decisions of or affecting the agency. Both of these reports are deposited in the Publications Clearinghouse of the Library and Archives Commission. Also, the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7, contain decisions made by the Commissioners regarding dockets.

Archival holdings

Meeting transcripts, October 1975-January 1976, December 1985-December 1987, 0.24 cubic feet.
Minutes of open administrative meetings of the PUC. No agendas are present.

Meeting transcripts, September-November 1985, April-May 1986, July-August 1992, fractional.
The materials from 1985-1986 consist only of meeting agenda. Meeting summaries and agenda are present for 1992.

Commissioners correspondence and subject files, 1978-1991, 27 cubic feet.
These are correspondence and subject files of the Place 1 and Place 2 PUC commissioners, dating 1978-1991, bulk 1983- 1987. Types of materials present include incoming and outgoing correspondence; internal memos; staff reports; topical reports and studies by utility companies or utility associations, consultants, or outside interest groups; annual reports and other publications by utilities under PUC regulation; papers from professional or trade association meetings; legislative committee reports; surveys conducted by outside groups; proposals (and comments) for rule changes being considered by the Commission; copies of dockets, complaints, and orders; copies of hearings before the Federal Communications Commission; resolutions and some minutes from professional associations; petitions from utility customers; press releases by the Commission; and a few dissenting opinions from Commissioner Jo Campbell. Correspondents include other state agencies and officials, utility companies and associations, legislators and congressmen, federal agencies and officials, utility commissioners in other states, professional and trade associations, and the general public. Memoranda is present from (and between) the Commissioners, the Executive Director and other staff, including division directors and the Special Counsel.

Topics covered in these records cover the range of the Public Utility Commission's activities, including regulation of telephone and electric utilities; telephone access changes; consumer complaints of rate charges; research into energy issues, such as nuclear power, cogeneration and bulk power transmission; pending and new state and federal legislation; and litigation involving the Public Utility Commission.

Policies and procedures manual, 1988-1994 (bulk 1991), fractional.
This is the overall or primary manual of administrative policies and operating procedures, intended for use by the agency as a whole. Executive orders which dictate policy are integrated into the manual. Dates covered are 1988- 1994, bulk 1991.

Organization charts, 1979-1996, fractional.
These charts illustrate graphically the administrative structure of the different functional units within the agency.

Previous destructions

Several destruction requests have been submitted by the Commission. In FY 1987, destruction requests were submitted for purchasing records, 1976-1984 and personnel records, 1983-1984. In FY 1988, destruction requests were submitted for financial records, 1976-1982; and 1985 personnel records. In FY 1989, destruction requests were submitted for personnel records, 1987. In FY 1990, destruction requests were submitted for personnel records, 1975-1980, 1988. In FY 1991, destruction requests were submitted for personnel records, 1985, and financial records, 1985-1986. All the requests were approved for destruction.

Project Outcome

The appraisal of the agency's records is complete. Following are instructions for changes to series on the retention schedule of the Public Utility Commission, primarily changing, adding, or removing archival codes, to be completed during the next recertification of the schedule. Archival records whose retention has expired can now be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission at the agency's earliest convenience. Series containing records eligible for transfer are noted.

Archival series
The following series on the schedule remain as archival:

Series CR-5, Administrative meeting transcripts. Since microfilm series CR-4 is considered the permanent record of the transcripts, transfer the original transcripts through 1995 to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience, and yearly thereafter. If gaps are present in the paper records, transfer copies of the microfilm to fill the gaps.

Series CR-7, Final Order meeting transcripts. Since microfilm series CR-6 is considered the permanent record of the transcripts, transfer the original transcripts through 1995 to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience, and yearly thereafter. If gaps are present in the paper records, transfer copies of the microfilm to fill the gaps.

Recommend creating one series on the schedule for both sets of meeting transcripts since the meetings are now held together - Commission meeting transcripts.

Series PER-1, Organization charts. Transfer copies to the Archives and Information Services Division as they are superseded.

Three other archival series have their archival requirement met by sending copies of publications to the Publications Clearinghouse.

Series AD-2, Biennial budget requests is currently on the schedule as archival and permanent.

Series ED-12, Reports, annual and biennial is currently listed as permanent and needs an "A" archival code added.

No series number, Strategic plans needs to be added to the schedule with an "A" archival code.

The following archival review series have been appraised as archival. The archival code of "R" for these series needs to be changed to "A" on the retention schedule.

Series ED-5, Administrative meeting file. Add archival code of "A". Transfer files to the Archives and Information Services Division dating through 1985 as these have fulfilled their retention. Future transfers should be yearly as their retention period expires.

Series PUC-2, Correspondence, Administrative. Change title to Correspondence, Administrative - Commissioners. Transfer files yearly to the Archives and Information Services Division as the retention expires. Set up separate administrative correspondence series for correspondence from the Executive Director, the Office of Policy Development, and the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Series PUC-7, Speeches. Transfer copy of Commissioners speeches and other major speeches filed in the Public Information Office through 1993 to the Archives and Information Services Division now and yearly thereafter as their retention period expires.

Series CO-1, Publications files. Change series title to better reflect contents - Reports and papers, Conference - Commissioners. File speeches present in the Speeches series, discard copies of press releases. Transfer materials whose retention period has expired to the Archives and Information Services Division now, and yearly thereafter as their retention period expires.

Series ED-9, Policies and procedures manual. Send a copy of the manual to the Archives and Information Services Division when it is revised and updates when sections become superseded. Change series number as it duplicates a preceding series, ED-9, Planning records.

Series ED-16, Reports and Papers - Conference. Transfer papers and reports through 1992 to the Archives and Information Services Division now, and yearly thereafter as their retention period expires.

Series PI-6, Press releases. Transfer releases from 1975- 1989 to the Archives and Information Services Division now, and yearly thereafter as their retention period expires.

Series PI-7, Photograph files. Transfer photographs whose retention period has expired to the Archives and Information Services Division after weeding out images of routine staff activities (picnics, gatherings, etc.). Further transfers should be done yearly as the retention period expires. Recommend filing images of routine staff activities outside of this series, such as in the Library.

Series E-4, Reports, Consultants and committees. Transfer reports yearly to the Archives and Information Services Division as they fulfill their retention requirements. Reports from 1985 can be transferred now. Change the series title to Reports, Studies, and Surveys - Final, which better reflect the series' contents.

Series CR-22, Reference materials (maps). Transfer maps to the Archives and Information Services Division when their retention period expires; currently the earliest date maps could be transferred would be 2001. If the earlier maps (stored at Records Center) have ceased having administrative or reference value, they can be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division now, with yearly transfers thereafter as the retention period expires. Consider shortening the retention period to 15- 20 years, as 35 years seems excessive.

Archival records - Special situations

Series ERP-1, Policies and procedures manuals. This is an obsolete series which has been appraised as archival. Transfer the policy statement to the Archives and Information Services Division now and remove the series from the schedule.

Series ERP-2, Reports, Administrative. This is an obsolete series which has been appraised as archival. Transfer the reports to the Archives and Information Services Division now and remove the series from the schedule.

Series E-6, Reports and papers, Conference. This series has been appraised to be non-archival since major papers are filed in a central series, ED-16, Reports and papers, Conference, which is archival. However, some older reports/papers may be present in series E-6 which had not been deposited in the central series. Transfer a select group of such reports and papers from E-6, prior to 1994, selected by the RA or division directors with staff recommendations, to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience. Current copies of significant or major reports should be sent to the Executive Director for inclusion in series ED-16.

Non-archival records
The following series have been appraised to be non- archival. The archival code of "R" (or "A" for Executive orders) should be removed from the retention schedule for these series. Also, several series are obsolete and need to be removed from the schedule. These will be noted.

Series ED-3 Executive orders. Remove "A" code.
Series ED-8.1 Strategic planning files
Series ED-9 Planning records
Series ED-10 Reports, Administrative
Series SC-1 Legal opinions and advice
Series AU-2 Policy and procedure manual for internal audits. Obsolete.
Series AD-4 Planning records. Obsolete.
Series AD-56 Building construction project files. Obsolete.
Series E-2 Policies and procedures manuals. Obsolete.
Series E-3 Publications files
Series E-6 Reports and papers, Conference
Series E-10 Reports and studies, Final
Series E-21 Building plans and specifications. Obsolete.
Series H-1 Rules correspondence
Series OR-3 Operations Review office manual. Obsolete.
Series OR-4 Finance Section procedure manual. Obsolete.
Series OR-6 Management audit implementation completion reports
Series OR-7 Compliance audit reports
Series OR-9 Audit proposals. Obsolete.
Series T-5 Field investigation reports. Obsolete.
Series T-6 Service performance index summary. Obsolete.
Series T-7 Service interruption summary report. Add the computer database to the schedule as a non- archival electronic record with a retention period of PS or US.

Administrative correspondence series not on schedule
These series need to be added to the schedule, but have been appraised to be non-archival, so no archival code needs to be added.

Correspondence, Administrative - Executive Director
Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Regulatory Affairs
Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Policy Development

Miscoded, empty, or duplicate record series
The following series either were mistakenly assigned archival review codes on the schedule, did not contain any records in the series, or the series was listed twice on the schedule for the same records. Appropriate action needed is given for each series.

Series ED-8, Organization charts. Duplicate series. The record copy is in the series PER-1. Remove this series from the retention schedule. Series

AD-7, Reports, Administrative. Empty series. Remove this series from the retention schedule.

Series PI-7.1, Reports, Annual and biennial. Duplicate series. The reports are already present in the series ED- 12. Remove this series from the retention schedule.

Series PER-40, Employee recognition awards. Miscoded series. Remove archival code of "R" from the retention schedule.

Series H-4, Rules and regulations. Miscoded series. Remove archival code of "R" from the retention schedule.

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Record Series Reviews

Records Series Review
Series Title: Biennial budget requests

Dates: 1977-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for eight years after completion of the record. Actual holdings of the agency are 1989- [ongoing], 0.5 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publication Clearinghouse. Two copies of Requests for Legislative Appropriations must be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse (13 Texas Administrative Code, Section 3.3 (3)). The Clearinghouse holds 1977-1979, 1983-[ongoing].

Description: These records are legislative appropriation requests of the Public Utility Commission submitted to the Legislative Budget Board and others. The records date from 1977- [ongoing]. The requests generally contain narrative statements of agency functions or programs. Program objectives are listed, along with a description of each objective, discussions of performance measures, statistics, program need indicators, and expenses-- expended, current, and projected, at different funding levels.

Purpose: The purpose of these records is to request specific appropriations from the legislature and to provide justification for the amounts requested.

The Public Utility Commission regulates telecommunication and electric services in Texas. It has original jurisdiction over electric utilities which operate in unincorporated areas of Texas, local exchange telephone companies, and several river authorities in the state. In September 1995, electric and telephone cooperatives received the option of requesting that their rates be deregulated and some have done so. The generating facilities of the Lower Colorado River Authority were also removed from PUC jurisdiction.

Duties of the Commission include monitoring the management of all public utilities, conducting management audits of utilities under its jurisdiction, conducting hearings on proposed rate changes and fuel cost increases, issuing final orders in rate cases and other proceedings, investigating property sales and mergers by utilities, considering notices of intent and certificates of operating authority (formerly certificates of convenience and necessity), registering telecommunication providers, and encouraging use of alternative energy resources. The Commission has the authority to make and enforce rules necessary to carry out its functions.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Publications Clearinghouse is missing requests from 1980- 1982.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission were checked for the Public Utility Commission and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.

Publications based on records: Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Budget Estimates have been published since fiscal years 1954 and 1955. This publication, a compilation of data for all state agencies, summarizes the fiscal information found in agency-submitted budgets or appropriation requests, but omits most of the narrative.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Biennial budget requests
Series item number: 1.1.004
Agency item number: AD-2
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+8

Appraisal Decision: Biennial budget requests prepared by state agency commissions provide evidence of an agency's fiscal performance and needs. The Public Utility Commission's schedule is correct and sufficient. The archival requirement for these records is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publications Clearinghouse of the Library and Archives Commission.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Executive orders

Dates: 1984-ongoing

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for five years after superseded according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are 1984-ongoing and consist of less than one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are executive orders or directives from the Executive Director which set agency policies and operating procedures. Dates covered are 1984-ongoing. These can also be found in the overall Policy and procedure manual of the agency, series ED-9; the Administrative meeting transcripts, series CR-5; and are also often filed in the Administrative correspondence of the executive director or the commissioners, series PUC-2.

Purpose: These orders announce agency policies and operating procedures.

Agency program: The Public Utility Commission regulates telecommunication and electric services in Texas. It has original jurisdiction over electric utilities which operate in unincorporated areas of Texas, local exchange telephone companies, and several river authorities in the state. In September 1995, electric and telephone cooperatives received the option of requesting that their rates be deregulated and some have done so. The generating facilities of the Lower Colorado River Authority were also removed from PUC jurisdiction.

Arrangement: Topically

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None are present in this series prior to 1984, earlier ones will be reflected in the Commissioner's correspondence.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Executive orders
Series item number: 1.1.011
Agency item number: ED-3
Archival code: A
Retention: US+5

Appraisal Decision: The executive orders concern policy changes and implementation. According to the Records Administrator, these are also present in several archival series--in the overall Policy and procedures manual, series ED-3; the commissioner's Administrative correspondence, series PUC- 2; and the Administrative meeting transcripts, series CR- 5. Because these orders are available in three archival series, this series has been appraised to be non-archival, and the archival code of "A" needs to be removed from the schedule. Also, add a note in the remarks column of the schedule - "Archival code removed subsequent to appraisal by Archives and Information Services Division, Library and Archives Commission, 10/96"

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Administrative meeting file

Dates: c. 1980-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for 10 years after completion. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1980-[ongoing], c. 10 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: Meeting documentation presented to the Commissioners prior to the meetings, dating c. 1980-[ongoing]. Present are minutes of the previous meeting, open meeting notice, agenda, and copies of things to discuss, such as policies and procedures, budget, staff reports, or strategic planning materials. These materials just cover the open meetings. Transcripts of the open administrative meetings can be found in the series Administrative meeting transcripts.

Sessions of the closed administrative meetings at which confidential issues (litigation, personnel) are discussed are recorded on audio tape, in the series Administrative meeting, Executive session audio tapes. These tapes and any transcripts of minutes from the Executive session are confidential and closed. Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6252-17.

Purpose: This packet is prepared for Commissioners prior to the meeting so they are aware of the items to be discussed.

Agency program: The Public Utility Commission was created in 1975 by the Public Utility Regulatory Act, House Bill 819, Sixty- fourth Legislature, Regular Session. The Commission assumed its regulatory duties on January 1, 1976. The Commission is composed of three salaried members, appointed by the governor with concurrence of the Senate to six-year overlapping terms. For two years prior to their appointment, the commissioners may not have served as officers, directors, owners, employees, partners, or legal representatives of any public utility or affiliated interest, and may not have owned stocks or bonds worth $10,000 or more in a public utility, affiliated utility, or direct competitor of a public utility.

Arrangement: Chronological by date of meeting.

Access constraints: Discussion of litigation and most personnel matters are confidential and discussed in closed sessions. Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6252-17.

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Meeting files are not present prior to the early 1980s.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Administrative meeting file
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: ED-5
Archival code: none
Retention: 10

Appraisal Decision: Supporting documentation of meetings is an archival series on the state records retention schedule, series 1.1.052, and should have an archival code of "A". Meeting documentation often provides more detail about what was discussed and decided upon at the meetings than may be present in the minutes. In this case, the meeting minutes are filed in another series and would greatly benefit from the inclusion of this series to further document the minutes.

This series has been appraised to be archival. An archival code of "A" needs to be added to the retention schedule. Transfer files to the Archives and Information Services Division dating through 1985 as these have fulfilled their retention period. Future transfers of meeting files should be yearly as their retention period expires.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Administrative meeting transcripts

Dates: 1976-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: According to the retention schedule, the paper originals are retained by the agency for ten years then microfilmed, with the microfilm being the permanent copy. However, the present holdings of the agency are 1976-[ongoing]. These are filed with the Final order meeting transcripts, total amount of these series is approximately 32 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: Meeting transcripts, October 1975-January 1976, December 1985-December 1987, 0.24 cubic feet.
Minutes of open administrative meetings of the PUC. No agendas are present.

Description: These are transcripts, or minutes, of open Commission meetings at which decisions are made concerning internal policy, procedures, budget, and major personnel matters. Dates covered are 1976-[ongoing]. Discussion of litigation and most personnel matters are confidential and discussed in closed sessions. Meeting documentation of materials discussed at the open meetings can be found in series Administrative meeting file. Audio tapes of the closed sessions can be found in series Administrative meeting, Executive session audio tapes. These tapes are confidential and are closed. Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6252-17.

Meetings at which docketed cases are discussed, rules passed, and certificates of service granted, etc. are held separately, known as Final order meetings. Transcripts of these meetings are in a different series, Final order meetings.

Until recently, the administrative meetings and final order meetings were conducted on separate days. The Commission now conducts one meeting, discussing the final order concerns first, then the administrative meeting concerns, followed by a closed session (if needed) to discuss litigation and/or personnel concerns. The meeting transcripts for both meetings (past and present) are filed together. Transcripts from May 1991 - present are also available internally on the FOLIOS database for both meetings.

Purpose: These transcripts document decisions made by the Commissioners regarding the administration of the agency.

Agency program: The Public Utility Commission was created in 1975 by the Public Utility Regulatory Act, House Bill 819, Sixty- fourth Legislature, Regular Session. The Commission assumed its regulatory duties on January 1, 1976. The Commission is composed of three salaried members, appointed by the governor with concurrence of the Senate to six-year overlapping terms. The governor designates the chair. For two years prior to their appointment, the commissioners may not have served as officers, directors, owners, employees, partners, or legal representatives of any public utility or affiliated interest, and may not have owned stocks or bonds worth $10,000 or more in a public utility, affiliated utility, or direct competitor of a public utility.

In 1995 the 74th Legislature passed legislation which significantly changed the focus of the Public Utility Commission and resulted in a major reorganization of the agency. The legislation provided an option for the deregulation of rates for electric and telephone utility cooperatives. The legislation also transferred the Hearings Division of the Commission to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: Discussion of litigation and most personnel matters are confidential and discussed in closed sessions. Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6252-17.

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Administrative meeting transcripts
Series item number: 1.1.017
Agency item number: CR-5
Archival code: A
Retention: PM

Appraisal Decision: Minutes and meeting transcripts of state commission meetings provide primary evidence of the functions and policy formulation of the highest echelon of the agency. The Public Utility Commission's retention schedule is correct and sufficient. Since the Commission meetings now include the administrative and final order concerns in one meeting, I recommend creating one series on the schedule, Commission meeting transcripts.

According to the schedule, the microfilm is considered the permanent copy, series CR-4, Administrative meeting transcripts (microfilm copy). The original paper minutes through 1995 should be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division once they have been microfilmed. Copies of the microfilm will need to be transferred if there are gaps in the coverage of the paper minutes. Copies of future meeting transcripts should be transferred annually or regularly after the Commission meetings.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Final order meeting transcripts

Dates: 1976-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: According to the retention schedule, the paper originals are retained by the agency for ten years then microfilmed, with the microfilm being the permanent copy. However, the present holdings of the agency are 1976-[ongoing]. These are filed with the Administrative meeting transcripts, total amount of these series is approximately 32 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: Meeting transcripts, September-November 1985, April-May 1986, July-August 1992, fractional.
The materials from 1985-1986 consist only of meeting agenda. Meeting summaries and agenda are present for 1992.

Description: These are transcripts, or minutes, of Commission meetings at which issues are discussed, docketed cases are decided, rules passed, and certificates of services granted, etc. Dates covered are 1976-[ongoing]. Meetings at which internal agency matters are discussed, such as internal policy, procedures, and budget, are known as Administrative meetings. Transcripts for these meetings are in a different series, Administrative meeting transcripts.

Purpose: These transcripts document decisions made by the Commissioners regarding dockets, rules, certificates of service and other actions which do not concern the administration of the agency, but rather the regulation of utility companies.

Agency program: The Public Utility Commission was created in 1975 by the Public Utility Regulatory Act, House Bill 819, Sixty- fourth Legislature, Regular Session. The Commission assumed its regulatory duties on January 1, 1976. The Commission is composed of three salaried members, appointed by the governor with concurrence of the Senate to six-year overlapping terms. The governor designates the chair. For two years prior to their appointment, the commissioners may not have served as officers, directors, owners, employees, partners, or legal representatives of any public utility or affiliated interest, and may not have owned stocks or bonds worth $10,000 or more in a public utility, affiliated utility, or direct competitor of a public utility.

The Public Utility Commission regulates telecommunication and electric services in Texas. It has original jurisdiction over electric utilities which operate in unincorporated areas of Texas, local exchange telephone companies, and several river authorities in the state. In September 1995, electric and telephone cooperatives received the option of requesting that their rates be regulated and some have done so. The generating facilities of the Lower Colorado River Authority were also removed from PUC jurisdiction.

In 1995 the 74th Legislature passed legislation which significantly changed the focus of the Public Utility Commission and resulted in a major reorganization of the agency. The legislation provided an option for the deregulation of rates for electric and telephone utility cooperatives. The legislation also transferred the Hearings Division of the Commission to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Chronological.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: The PUC Bulletin (newsletter) reports decisions in docketed cases.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Final order meeting transcripts
Series item number: 1.1.017
Agency item number: CR-7
Archival code: A
Retention: PM

Appraisal Decision: Minutes of state commission meetings provide primary evidence of the functions and policy formulation of the highest echelon of the agency. The meeting transcripts of the final order meetings document decisions made by the Commissioners regarding dockets, rules, certificates of service or operating authority and other actions which do not concern the administration of the agency, but rather the regulation of utility companies, a primary function of the Commission. This is the permanent record of these decisions and this series is archival. Since the Commission meetings now include the administrative and final order concerns in one meeting, I recommend creating one series on the schedule, Commission meeting transcripts.

According to the schedule, the microfilm is considered the permanent copy, series CR-6, Final order meeting transcripts (microfilm copy). The original paper minutes through 1995 should be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division once they have been microfilmed. Copies of the microfilm will need to be transferred if there are gaps in the coverage of the paper minutes. Copies of future meeting transcripts should be transferred annually or regularly after the Commission meetings.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Correspondence, Administrative

Dates: 1978-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for six years according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1985-[ongoing]. The records are filed in a variety of offices, the exact amount is unknown, at least several cubic feet.

Archival holdings: Commissioners correspondence and subject files, 1978-1991, 27 cubic feet.
These are correspondence and subject files of the Place 1 and Place 2 PUC commissioners, dating from 1978-1991, bulk 1983-1987. Types of materials present include incoming and outgoing correspondence; internal memos; staff reports; topical reports and studies by utility companies or utility associations, consultants, or outside interest groups; annual reports and other publications by utilities under PUC regulation; papers from professional or trade association meetings; legislative committee reports; surveys conducted by outside groups; proposals (and comments) for rule changes being considered by the Commission; copies of dockets, complaints, and orders; copies of hearings before the Federal Communications Commission; resolutions and some minutes from professional associations; petitions from utility customers; press releases by the Commission; and a few dissenting opinions from Commissioner Jo Campbell. Correspondents include other state agencies and officials, utility companies and associations, legislators and congressmen, federal agencies and officials, utility commissioners in other states, professional and trade associations, and the general public. Memoranda is present from (and between) the Commissioners, the Executive Director and other staff, including division directors, the Special Counsel, and others.

Topics covered in these records cover the range of the Public Utility Commission's activities, including regulation of telephone and electric utilities; telephone access changes; consumer complaints of rate charges; research into energy issues, such as nuclear power, cogeneration, and bulk power transmission; pending and new state and federal legislation; and litigation involving the Public Utility Commission.

Description: This series covers correspondence of the commissioners, Executive Director, Division Directors and other staff; with other state officials and agencies, utility companies, federal officials, professional and trade associations, and the general public. Dates covered are c. 1978-[ongoing). Other materials present include memos; staff reports; reports from utility companies and associations, reports and outside studies from consultants, or outside interest groups; annual reports and other publications by utilities under PUC regulation; papers from professional or trade association meetings; legislative committee reports; proposals (and comments) for rule changes being considered by the Commission; copies of dockets, complaints, and orders; copies of hearings before the Federal Communications Commission; resolutions and some minutes from professional associations; petitions from utility customers; press releases by the Commission; and other materials. The correspondence is not filed centrally, each Commissioner maintains their own correspondence files. Topics covered include current issues the Public Utility Commission faces, such as rate-setting, regulation and deregulation of telephone and electric utilities, competition between companies, decisions re: certification of services, rule- making, new sources of power, and issues specific to each division concerning their role in the regulation of utilities.

The correspondence of the Executive Director contains more materials concerning the internal operation of the agency. The Executive director is also the main contact point for requests for information about the agency. The Commissioner's correspondence has more correspondence about the most wide-ranging policy topics. The Office of Policy Development contains substantial correspondence on rule-making, on both adopted and non-adopted rules, and policy issues. The correspondence for the Office of Regulatory Affairs also contains some rulemaking correspondence along with correspondence documenting the regulation of the telephone and electric utilities. Descriptions for these series follow this series report.

Purpose: The correspondence documents the interaction of the Commissioners with PUC staff, other state agencies, the federal government, utility companies, and others in the course of their work.

Additional duties of the Commission include monitoring the management of all public utilities, conducting management audits of utilities under its jurisdiction, conducting hearings on proposed rate changes and fuel cost increases, issuing final orders in rate cases and other proceedings, investigating property sales and mergers by utilities, considering notices of intent and certificates of operating authority (formerly certificates of convenience and necessity), registering telecommunication providers, and encouraging use of alternative energy resources. The Commission has the authority to make and enforce rules necessary to carry out its functions.

Arrangement: The correspondence of the commissioners is arranged chronologically in groups by the commissioner, then topically within the groups.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: There are no records prior to 1978.

Problems: There are several series of administrative correspondence in the agency, currently listed as one series, but held in different divisions. Additional correspondence series should be added to the retention schedule during the next recertification. Until then, when requesting correspondence, one needs to specify which office-- Commissioners, Executive Director, or which division.

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Correspondence, Administrative
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: PUC-2
Archival code: R
Retention: 6

Appraisal Decision: The correspondence described within this series report covers several correspondence series, but primarily focuses on the commissioners' correspondence, some of which has already been transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division. The commissioners' correspondence documents rule-making, rate-setting and other regulatory issues; policy issues; energy research undertaken by the agency; and some administrative matters. This series is archival as it provides a comprehensive coverage of the actions of the Commissioners. Further transfers of the commissioners' correspondence should be done annually, when the retention period has expired.

Other correspondence series are more difficult to judge. According to the RA, they cover the same basic topics of rule-making, utility regulation and deregulation, but to a lesser degree than what can be found in this series. These other series also contain general correspondence intermixed with the administrative materials. A separate Record Series Review has been done for three additional administrative correspondence series, which are not on the schedule, but need to be added.

The PUC needs to change the name of this series to Correspondence, Administrative - Commissioners, and to change the archival code of "R" to "A" on the retention schedule. Also, the agency needs to create an administrative correspondence series for the Executive Director, the Office of Policy Development, and the Office of Regulatory Affairs. Also, a general correspondence series needs to be added to the schedule, though one series can suffice for all divisions as general correspondence is not archival.

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Records Series Review

Series Title: Correspondence, Administrative - Executive Director

Dates: c. 1994-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Series is not yet on the schedule, retention period will likely be three years. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1994-[ongoing], 1 cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: Correspondence and memos between the Executive Director, Commissioners, PUC staff, other state agencies, utilities, and the general public. Dates covered are c. 1994- [ongoing]. The correspondence primarily concerns the internal management of the agency, including administrative matters, personnel, budget, strategic planning, some policy matters, and requests for information. Much of the correspondence with state agencies and utilities consists of courtesy copies of filings in cases or rulemaking correspondence, both found in the Central Records area of the PUC. Related series of records are the agency Policy and procedure manual, series ED-8, the Administrative meeting files, ED-5, and the Administrative meeting transcripts, series CR-5. All three of these series are archival.

Purpose: Documents activities of the Executive Director in the administation and internal management of the agency.

Arrangement: Topical, then chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None present prior to c. 1994.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Suggested series from state records retention schedule:
Title: Correspondence, Administrative - Executive Director
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: to be assigned
Archival code: none
Retention: 3

Appraisal Decision: The correspondence of the Executive Director concerns the internal administration of the agency more than policy or regulatory functions. It also contains general requests for information and other types of general correspondence. There are several related series which document the administrative and policy actions of the Executive Director, and provide sufficient documentation of that individual's administrative activities. The related series are the agency-wide Policies and procedures manual, series ED-9, which includes policy statements or directives of the director; the Administrative meeting files, series ED-5; and the Administrative meeting transcripts, series CR-5, which discuss significant administrative matters needing Commissioner attention. According to the RA, the meeting files are particularly important in this respect. All three of these series have been appraised as archival. Thus, the administrative correspondence of the executive director has been appraised to be non-archival. It is not currently on the schedule but needs to be added. If the content of the series changes greatly in the future, further archival appraisal will be necessary. For now, add the series to the retention schedule as Correspondence, Administrative - Executive Director, with a suggested retention period of three years, and no archival code.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Regulatory Affairs

Dates: c. 1986-[ongoing], bulk 1995-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Office of Regulatory Affairs

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Series is not yet on the schedule, retention period will likely be three years. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1986-[ongoing], bulk 1995-[ongoing]. The earlier correspondence (4-6 cubic feet) can largely be found in staff members offices in the Competitive Issues and Industry Analysis Divisions, the rest in two groups, 8 cubic feet, and 4 cubic feet, totalling about 16 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This series includes correspondence and memos of the Division Director and staff of the Office of Regulatory Affairs, and other state agencies and officials, utility companies and associations, legislators and congressmen, utility commissioners in other states, professional and trade associations, and the general public. This Office was created in October 1995 and most of the correspondence dates from then, though some earlier correspondence from the former Telephone and Electric Divisions is present from c. 1986.

The bulk of the correspondence concerns rulemaking and amendments to the Substantive and Procedural rules of the Commission or comments in docketed cases. There are two general types of files. One is arranged chronologically by docket and project number. The originals of this set are filed in the Central Records section of the PUC under the docket or project number. The second set of files cover the same topics and are arranged by topic.

The correspondence from the former Electric and Telephone Divisions can be found in the Competitive Issues and Industry Analysis Divisions, under each staff member's name, and date from c. 1986-[ongoing]. These files are small and contain both general and limited policy correspondence. Correspondence from these divisions concerning rulemaking or involving docketed cases is filed under those dockets or project numbers in Central Records.

A related series is Rule making projects, series CR-12, which contains substantial rules correspondence. Also, summaries of comments about rules are published in the Texas Register, and major discussion of rules and rule changes by the Commissioners are available in the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7, an archival series.

Purpose: Provides some documentation of the regulatory activities of the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Arrangement: One set is chronological, one is topical, staff files are filed by staff member name then chronological.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None in records since that office was created in 1995. Files of earlier divisions absorbed into the office date back only to c. 1986.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Comments on proposed rules are published in the Texas Register.

Suggested series from state records retention schedule:
Title: Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Regulatory Affairs
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: to be assigned
Archival code: none
Retention: 3

Appraisal Decision: The correspondence of the Office of Regulatory Affairs documents activities of that division, focusing on rulemaking or commenting on docketed cases. Originals of most of these materials are filed in the Central Records section of the PUC, under the docket or project number of the case files or in the series Rule making projects, series CR-12. There is sufficient documentation of rulemaking activities of the PUC, both in the published comments on rules found in the Texas Register, and the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7. These transcripts contain decisions made by the Commissioners regarding dockets, rules, certificates of service or operating authority and other actions concerning the regulatory activities of the agency. Because of sufficent coverage of this division's activities in permanent records, the administrative correspondence of the Office of Regulatory Affairs has been appraised to be non-archival. It is not currently on the schedule but needs to be added. If the content of the series changes greatly in the future, especially if it begins documenting regulatory activities which are not sufficiently documented elsewhere, further archival appraisal will be necessary. For now, add the series to the retention schedule as Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Regulatory Affairs, with a suggested retention period of three years, and no archival code.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Policy Development

Dates: c. 1986-[ongoing], bulk 1995-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Office of Policy Development

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Series is not yet on the schedule, retention period will likely be three years. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1986-[ongoing], bulk 1995-[ongoing], 3.5 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: Correspondence and memos of the Division director and staff of the Office of Policy Development with other PUC staff and the Commissioners primarily. Dates covered are c. 1986-[ongoing]. The bulk of the correspondence dates from 1995, when this office was created. Earlier files are from various areas in the PUC absorbed into this office during the reorganization in 1995. The correspondence largely concerns policy issues, rulemaking, or comments in docketed cases. Correspondence dealing with rulemaking or docketed cases is also filed in the Central Records section of the PUC with the dockets or project files. Some of the correspondence is restricted as it concerns proprietary information, or is protected from disclosure because it concerns recommentations to the Commissioners on current docketed cases. These materials are confidential, under exception to the Open Records Act. V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.107(1).

A related series is Rule making projects, series CR-12, which contains substantial rules correspondence. Also, summaries of comments about rules are published in the Texas Register, and major discussion of rules and rule changes, and decisions about docketed cases by the Commissioners are available in the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7, an archival series.

Purpose: Provides some documentation of the actions of the Office of Policy Development.

Arrangement: By staff member, then in reverse chronological order.

Access constraints: Some of the correspondence is restricted as it concerns proprietary information, or is protected from disclosure because it concerns recommentations to the Commissioners on current docketed cases. These materials are confidential, under exception to the Open Records Act. V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.107(1).

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None in records since that office was created in 1995. Files of earlier divisions absorbed into the office date back only to c. 1986.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Summaries of comments on proposed rules are published in the Texas Register.

Suggested series from state records retention schedule:
Title: Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Policy Development
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: to be assigned
Archival code: none
Retention: 3

Appraisal Decision: The correspondence of the Office of Policy Development documents activities of that division, focusing on rulemaking, commenting on docketed cases, and policy issues. Originals of most of these materials are filed in the Central Records section of the PUC, under the docket or project number of the case files or in the series Rule making projects, series CR-12. There is sufficient documentation of rulemaking activities of the PUC, both in the published comments on rules found in the Texas Register, and the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7. These transcripts contain decisions made by the Commissioners regarding dockets, rules, certificates of service or operating authority and other actions concerning the regulatory activities of the agency. Because of sufficent coverage of this division's activities in permanent records, the administrative correspondence of the Office of Policy Development has been appraised to be non-archival. It is not currently on the schedule but needs to be added. If the content of the series changes greatly in the future, especially if it begins documenting policy making activities which are not sufficiently documented elsewhere, further archival appraisal will be necessary. For now, add the series to the retention schedule as Correspondence, Administrative - Office of Policy Development, with a suggested retention period of three years, and no archival code.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Speeches

Dates: c. 1985-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for two years. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1985-[ongoing], cubic feet unknown, projected at less than 10 cubic feet. Some earlier speeches may be present for the late 1970s-early 1980s in various divisions. Major speeches are kept by the Public Information Office with a secondary copy in the Library.

Archival holdings: Speeches, Commissioner Jo Campbell, 1986-1991, 0.5 cubic feet.
These are speeches by Commission Campbell during the years 1986-1991, given when addressing professional and/or trade association meetings and conferences, government meetings or conferences, and public groups, such as the Rotary Club. Topics covered include regulation and deregulation of the telephone and electric utility industries; new or different sources of energy or energy transmission, such cogeneration or bulk power transmission; taxation of utilities; economic development; and functions of the Commission.

Description: These are speeches made primarily by Commissioners, the Executive Director, and Division heads on issues or topics related to the overall operation of the agency; specific agency functions, such as utility regulation, deregulation, rate-setting, and competition; new or different sources of energy or energy transmission, such as cogeneration or bulk power transmission; or the speaker's opinions on different regulatory issues. Dates covered are c. 1985-[ongoing].

Purpose: The speeches provide both general and specific information about the functions of the agency to the public, usually focusing on the current issues facing the industry.

Arrangement: Major speeches are kept by the Public Information Office with a secondary copy in the Library. Copies of other speeches are kept in the various divisions where arrangement varies.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Some speeches may be present in offices dating prior to the mid 1980s but that is not likely.

Problems: None Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Speeches
Series item number: 1.1.040
Agency item number: PUC-7
Archival code: R
Retention: 2

Appraisal Decision: The speeches of the Commissioners are very informative. They are a good summary source of contemporary concerns of the Public Utility Commission and the regulation/deregulation concerns of the telephone and electric industries in Texas. These are archival. The speeches by the Executive director and division heads, according to the RA, contain the same type of content. Speeches are filed in all the divisions, however, copies of major speeches are kept in the Public Information Office with a secondary copy in the Library. We will use the PUC's selection criteria here for our purposes. One copy of each major speech selected by and retained in the files of the Public Information Office should be transferred annually to the Archives and Information Services Division when their retention period has expired. Copies of such speeches dated prior to 1994 should be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division now. The archival code on this series needs to be changed to "A". Additionally, we recommend that Speeches be defined on the agency's schedule to avoid confusion in the assorted offices also holding speeches.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Publication files

Dates: c. 1985-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: unknown

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for 6 years, with the retention corresponding to the term of the Commissioners. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1985-[ongoing], cubic feet unknown, but less than 5 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These materials consist of reports and papers prepared by the Commissioners and presented at meetings and conferences, some copies of press releases, and editorials. Dates covered are c. 1985-[ongoing]. The papers or reports were presented at several types of conferences, such as the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Midwest Association of Regulatory Commissioners, and other regional conferences. Topics covered reflect current agency issues and concerns, such as regulation and deregulation of public utilities, new energy sources, energy transmission, and legislation. Each Commissioner's office has its own set of files for this series.

Purpose: This series documents agency functions and policies as reflected in papers, speeches, editorials written by the Commissioners.

The PUC has appellate jurisdiction over investor-owned electric utilities operating within Texas cities and over municipal systems. The PUC regulates local exchange telephone carriers but does not have jurisdiction over the rates of long-distance telephone carriers. The PUC has limited jurisdiction over telephone operator service and pay phone providers, automatic dialing/announcing devices, and telephone solicitors. Duties of the Commission include monitoring the management of all public utilities, conducting management audits of utilities under its jurisdiction, conducting hearings on proposed rate changes and fuel cost increases, issuing final orders in rate cases and other proceedings, investigating property sales and mergers by utilities, considering notices of intent and certificates of operating authority (formerly certificates of convenience and necessity), registering telecommunication providers, and encouraging use of alternative energy resources. The Commission has the authority to make and enforce rules necessary to carry out its functions.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None are present prior to c. 1985.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Editorials can be found in the newspapers they were sent to, some conference papers may be published in collections of conference proceedings. The papers were not normally published by the Public Utility Commission. If they were, a copy would be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Publications files
Series item number: 1.1.028
Agency item number: CO-1
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: This series contains copies of papers, editorials, or press releases. The bulk of this series is the papers, for which the proper series is Reports and papers, Conference. The issues presented in the papers are important and serve as a reflection of what Texas was doing in a particular area of utility regulation or research on a national level, in addition to reflecting the Commissioner's particular interests. These are archival. The series title and number used here is that meant to contain publication files, which would be materials such as drafts of publications, artwork, historical information gathered for the publications. The agency needs to change the series title to Reports and Papers, Conference - Commissioners. This will be an archival series, with an "A" code and the same retention period of six years. Additionally, copies of speeches should be filed in the series Speeches, series PUC-7. Copies of press releases are already filed with the Press releases, series PI-6, so these duplicates can be discarded.

Copies of materials in this series whose retention period has already expired should be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division at the Commission's earliest convenience. Further transfers should be done annually, once the retention period has expired.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Strategic planning files

Dates: 1992-1994

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for six years. The present holdings of the agency are 1992-1994, less than one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: Files created by the agency for use in the strategic planning process mandated by the Legislature. These files date from 1992-1994 and were used in creation of the Strategic Plans for 1992-1998 and 1995-1999. Types of materials present are internal memos, timelines, directions, and drafts of the plans. Materials generated by the Legislative Budget Board for use by the agency in the planning process have been purged from these files.

Purpose: These materials document the strategic planning process.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None, process didn't start until 1992.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: The agency's strategic plan is published and sent to required agencies, which include the Publications Clearinghouse of the State Library.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Strategic planning files
Series item number: 1.1.024
Agency item number: ED-8.1
Archival code: R
Retention: 6

Appraisal Decision: These materials document the strategic planning process of the Public Utility Commission. The final plan is already an archival record. These materials, while useful, do not require archival retention. The "R" code can be removed from the schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Planning records

Dates: 1990-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until the annual review has been completed. The present holdings of the agency are 1990- [ongoing], less than one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are drafts of the Legislative Appropriation Request and a final copy. Dates covered are 1990-[ongoing], bulk from the mid 1990s. One file is present from 1990 which concerns a special appropriation request made by Chairman Meek, for an emergency appropriation.

Purpose: These materials are used in preparation of the Legislative Appropriation Requests.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: The Legislative Appropriation Request is published and a copy is sent to the Publications Clearinghouse of the Library and Archives Commission.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Planning records
Series item number: 1.1.024
Agency item number: ED-9
Archival code: R
Retention: AR

Appraisal Decision: These materials document the preparation of the Legislative Appropriation Requests. The printed version of the LAR is already considered an archival record and is sufficient documentation of this process. The final copy is present in another series, Biennial budget requests, so copies in this series do not need to be maintained. The series has been appraised as not archival, so the "R" code can be removed from the schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Policies and procedures manual

Dates: 1988-1994 (bulk 1991)

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1988-1994 (bulk 1991). A public reference copy is housed in the Library.

Archival holdings: Policies and procedures manual, 1988-1994 (bulk 1991), fractional.
This is the overall or primary manual of administrative policies and operating procedures, intended for use by the agency as a whole. Executive orders which dictate policy are integrated into the manual.

Description: This is the overall or primary manual of administrative policies and operating procedures, intended for use by the agency as a whole. Executive orders which dictate policy are integrated into the manual. Dates covered are 1988- 1994, the bulk dated 1991.

Purpose: This manual houses the administrative policies and operating procedures of the agency.

Arrangement: Topical

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None, it appears this is the first such comprehensive manual.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Policies and procedures manual
Series item number: 1.1.025
Agency item number: ED-9
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: This manual contains policies and operating procedures used for the operation of the overall agency. This manual is the primary manual in use by the Commission and best reflects the operating procedures in place by the agency of the various policy and procedure manuals series (also series AU-2, manuals for internal audits; E-2, manual for the Electric Division; OR-3, Operations Review office manual; and ERP-1, manual for the Economics and Regulatory Policy Division) created by the various divisions. This series has been determined to be archival. The Archival Code needs to be changed from "R" to "A" in the retention schedule.

A copy of the current manual has already been transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division. It is currently being revised by the agency. The agency should send a copy of the new manual when revised and updates when sections become superseded. The series number needs to be changed on the retention schedule because it duplicates the preceding series number, ED-9, Planning records.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports, Administrative

Dates: 1985-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for five years according to the retention schedule. The present holdings are 1985- [ongoing], cubic feet unknown.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are major reports done by the Executive Director or divisions which include the strategic plan, legislative appropriation requests, and similar administrative reports, dating from 1985-[ongoing]. The Executive Director presents these at the open administrative meetings for discussion and approval, thus discussions of these reports can be found in the administrative meeting transcripts. The Administrative Services Division maintains the fiscal reports.

Purpose: These reports are prepared largely in response to requests by outside agencies, primarily the Governor and Legislature.

Arrangement: By type of report.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None are present prior to 1985 in this series, some earlier reports are present in the Agency publications series.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports, Administrative
Series item number: 1.1.031
Agency item number: ED-10
Archival code: R
Retention: 5

Appraisal Decision: This series, according to the RA, is very similar to the series L-1, Agency publications, as it contains major reports which are usually published or printed and distributed to the Publications Clearinghouse and mandated agencies. Discussions of the reports are present in the Administrative meeting transcripts, which is a permanent and archival record. The types of reports present should be documented in the Agency publications series, so there is no need for this series to be archival as well if that is all the reports which are present. If the agency begins filing administrative reports which are not distributed through the Publications Clearinghouse, we will reappraise this series for archival value. For now, the archival code of "R" can be removed from the schedule. If this series is strictly convenience copies or library/reference copies it need not be on the schedule at all as it is not records.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports, Annual and biennial

Dates: 1978-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency permanently. The present holdings of the agency are 1978-ongoing, 0.5 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publication Clearinghouse. Fifty- five copies of annual or biennial reports (includes narrative description) must be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse (13 Texas Administrative Code, Section 3.3 (1) (A)). The Clearinghouse holds 1978-[ongoing].

Description: These are annual reports prepared by the Commission which summarize the activities of the agency for the fiscal year. Dates covered are 1978-[ongoing]. The report describes the functions of the Commission and activities undertaken during the fiscal year, including the management audits done, hearings conducted by the Commissioners, final orders issued, summaries of significant litigation, highlights of legislation relevant to the PUC, summaries of division activities, and a statement of revenues and expenditures. The report also provides lists of the regulated telephone and electric utilities in Texas, a table of telephone rates, a table of gross assessment revenues, and maps showing boundaries of major utility companies, location of major power plants, and geographical distribution of generating capacity in Texas. Detailed information regarding the appropriations and expenditures of the agency can be found in the Annual Financial Report of the Commission.

Purpose: These reports provide summary documentation of the activities of the board over the fiscal year.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None, the first report was issued in 1978.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports, Annual and biennial, agency
Series item number: 1.1.032
Agency item number: ED-12 and PI-7.1
Archival code: none
Retention: PM

Appraisal Decision: These reports summarize the activities of the Commission over each fiscal year and are already considered archival. Their archival mandate is fulfilled by the agency sending copies of the reports to the Publications Clearinghouse. The state recommended retention schedule will be revised to carry an Archival Code of "A" for this series. An Archival Code of "A" needs to be added to the schedule for this series.

This series appears twice on the schedule (also as PI- 7.1), with neither series indicated as having the record copy of the report. Retain the series under series number ED-12 and remove series PI-7.1 as only one series needs to be listed on the retention schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports and papers, Conference

Dates: c. 1990-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for three years according to the retention schedule. Actual holdings of the agency are c. 1990-[ongoing], about one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are staff reports presented at conferences and meetings, dating c. 1990-[ongoing]. Topics covered include issues the staff address in their work, such as specific topics within the regulation and deregulation of utilities, energy transmission, new sources of energy, and other topics. The papers or reports were presented at several types of conferences, such as the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Midwest Association of Regulatory Commissioners, and other regional conferences. The Executive Director receives copies of the major or most significant reports and papers presented. Additional copies are in the divisions, with some also held in the Library as agency publications. There is some overlap with the speech files. Papers and reports presented by the Commissioners are in another series, CO-1, Publication files, which should be changing its title to Reports and Papers, Conference - Commissioners.

Purpose: This series presents agency functions and policies in papers and reports written by the various staff of the Commission.

Arrangement: Arrangement of materials within the Executive Director's office is unknown, copies held in the library are catalogued.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None are present prior to about 1990.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports and papers, Conference
Series item number: 1.1.036
Agency item number: ED-16
Archival code: R
Retention: 3

Appraisal Decision: The reports and papers, produced by the staff reflect the activities of the divisions, which in turn reflect the agency's interest in utility regulation and deregulation, energy concerns, and other topics. The issues presented in the papers are important and may serve as a reflection of what Texas was doing in a particular area of utility regulation or research on a national level. These are usually not published and provide a good insight to current issues and concerns of the agency. This series has been appraised to be archival.

Since the major papers, etc., produced by staff throughout the agency are gathered in this series, similar series in the divisions have been appraised to be non-archival. The agency needs to continue to use this series as a central filing point for what it considers to be significant reports and papers.

The archival code on the schedule needs to be changed to "A". The agency should transfer the papers and reports dated through 1992 to the Archives and Information Services Division now, and yearly thereafter as their retention period expires.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Press releases

Dates: 1975-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Executive Office, Public Information Office

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for 6 years according to the retention schedule. The present holdings are 1975- [ongoing], about 15 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These records are news or press releases issued by the agency about activities of the Public Utility Commission, including appointments and hiring, rule and policy changes, changes in the utility industry affecting PUC actions, changes in PUC functions, and reports on rate cases. Dates covered are 1975-[ongoing], bulk dated 1986- [ongoing].

Purpose: These records alert the press to actions of the Public Utility Commission, especially activities of wide-spread public interest.

Agency program: The Public Utility Commission was created in 1975 by the Public Utility Regulatory Act, House Bill 819, Sixty- fourth Legislature, Regular Session. The Commission assumed its regulatory duties on January 1, 1976. The Commission is composed of three salaried members, appointed by the governor with concurrence of the Senate to six-year overlapping terms. The Public Utility Commission regulates telecommunication and electric services in Texas. It has original jurisdiction over electric utilities which operate in unincorporated areas of Texas, local exchange telephone companies, and several river authorities in the state. In September 1995, electric and telephone cooperatives received the option of requesting that their rates be deregulated and some have done so. The generating facilities of the Lower Colorado River Authority were also removed from PUC jurisdiction.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Major issues concerning the agency are usually highlighted in the annual narrative reports or other agency publications.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Press releases
Series item number: 1.1.019
Agency item number: PI-6
Archival code: R
Retention: 6

Appraisal Decision: The press releases document news of the agency and its involvement in the regulatory industry. They provide good summary coverage of agency actions and concerns from the beginning of the agency. The press releases have been appraised to be archival. The archival code needs to be changed to "A" on the retention schedule.

The RA feels the agency needs to keep at least one copy of all releases, at least for recent years, for reference purposes in the library, thus she wishes to retain the six- year retention period, which is longer than normal for this type of record.

The press releases from 1975-1989 should be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience. Further transfers should be done annually, when the retention period has expired.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Photograph files

Dates: c. 1979-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Executive Office, Public Information Office

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until purpose served, according to the records retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1979-[ongoing], about 1 cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This series consists of loose photographs and scrapbooks of photos, dating from c. 1979-[ongoing]. Images present include portraits of Commissioners; photos of Commission meetings; photos of Commissioners or other staff in performance of their duties; photos of Commission personnel and PUC routine activities, showing staff picnics or other such gatherings; and slides produced for a show depicting the functions of the PUC. The scrapbooks have some, but not complete identification. Loose photographs are largely unidentified.

Purpose: These photographs provide a visual documentation of Commissioners, some staff, and PUC activities.

The Public Information Office, part of the Executive Office, provides a daily clipping service on utility issues and handles all media and general inquires.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: The scrapbooks are arranged somewhat chronologically, the loose photographs are unarranged.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None present prior to the late 1970s.

Problems: Many photographs are unidentified as to personnel.

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: A few of the photos have been used in agency publications, such as the annual reports.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Photograph files
Series item number: 1.1.028
Agency item number: PI-7
Archival code: R
Retention: PS

Appraisal Decision: The photographs provide visual documentation of the activities of the Public Utility Commission. Documentation of meetings, photographs of Commissioners, and images showings various functions of the PUC (not routine staff activities such as picnics and parties) are valuable in documenting the functioning of the Commission. These are archival. However, from the descriptions provided, a number of the images reflect routine staff activities which do not require archival retention. We have appraised the series to be archival, thus the archival code needs to be changed to "A". Photographs of routine staff activities should be removed from the files prior to transfer to the Archives and Information Services Division. After weeding, transfer files which have fulfilled their retention period to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience. Further transfers should be done annually, when the retention period has expired. I recommend filing images of routine activities outside of this series, such as in the Library.

Following are some recommendations about the care and handling of photographs, copyright, and documentation of images. Photographic prints and negatives require special handling and storage as they are highly susceptible to damage from a variety of sources including extremes of heat and humidity, light fading, fingerprinting, chemical contamination, adhesives, dust, and mechanical damage. Mounting photos in albums or scrapbooks can cause irreversible damage from the adhesives and poor quality paper and plastic materials frequently found in albums. Prints and negatives should always be handled with cotton gloves to prevent fingerprinting and transferring acidic oils to the photo emulsion.

Photographs should be housed in appropriately sized folders separate from other types of records, preferably in folders made of acid-free stock specifically designed for photos. High quality polyester or triacetate sleeves can provide good protection, while cheap polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetate, or polyethelene materials can do great harm. In general, properly processed black-and- white photos will last longer than color photos under the same conditions.

Documentation regarding how, why, and by whom photographs were made is essential. If a staff or other state photographer made the photos the images might generally be presumed to be in the public domain, though some agencies retain control over images they produce. The same could be true if the photography was work-for-hire performed by a commercial photographer for the agency. Contracts for commercial photography should explicitly designate who owns the photographic materials created and the reproduction rights to them. Images which are owned or may be owned by others should be carefully identified as such to prevent copyright violations.

Documentary information can be linked to photos via a control number light printed on the back corner of the print. A #1 pencil or similarly soft graphite marking pencil works best. Markers and ink pens should not be used as they may bleed through, transfer, or otherwise cause deterioration. Adhesive labels likewise should not be used.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Legal opinions and advice

Dates: 1985-1995, bulk 1989-1991

Agency: Public Utility Commission Special Counsel

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are 1985-1995, bulk is 1989-1991, about 2 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This series contains reprints and memoranda from the Special Counsel to the Commissioners or the Executive Director, and some legal documents. Dates covered are 1985-1995, bulk being 1989-1991. Original legal work products are largely confined to the period 1989-1991. Topics usually concern administrative legal matters, rather than regulatory matters. These materials are confidential, under exception to the Open Records Act. V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.107(1).

Purpose: This series documents legal advice provided to the Commissioners and others by the Special Counsel.

The Special Counsel provided independent legal advice to the Commissioners, Executive Director, and to staff members where appropriate, usually on topics related to agency administration. During the period from 1993-1995 the office also acted as an agency liaison with the Legislature. The office was abolished in 1995, with many of its duties transferred to the new Legal Administration Division (part of the Executive Office). Legal Administration is headed by the secretary of the Commission and handles all the tariffs and unprotested cases and coordinates processing of cases sent to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Arrangement: Chronological/by subject.

Access constraints: These records are confidential, under exception to the Open Records Act. V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.107(1).

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: According to the RA, there is very little material of interest after 1991. Special Counsel was a separate office from 1987-1995, but the position was vacant at several periods.

Problems: Confidentiality problems.

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Legal opinions and advice
Series item number: 1.1.014
Agency item number: SC-1
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: According to the RA, the memoranda is of potential interest. Similar correspondence created by the succeeding division, Legal Services Administration, is filed in internal administrative correspondence of that division. The files as a whole still receive occasional reference use by the Legal Administration Division so they would like to maintain them for a while longer. She also feels if the materials are eventually transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division, they should be restricted for at least ten years or until the persons involved have retired.

These materials primarily concern legal administrative problems in the agency. Legal advice concerning regulatory affairs is provided by the General Counsel Division (now the Legal Division in the Office of Regulatory Affairs). Summary documentation of significant developments in administrative affairs are given in the annual report, or other sources, such as press releases. Therefore, these materials have been appraised to be non- archival. The "R" code can be removed from the retention schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Policy and procedure manual for internal audits

Dates: 1991-1993

Agency: Public Utility Commission Internal Auditor's Office

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded plus three years. The present holdings of the agency are 1991-1993, fractional.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This was a procedural manual created by a former auditor for the agency, dating 1991-1993, covering internal office procedures.

Purpose: Documents procedures for carrying out routine office and audit procedures.

Arrangement: Topical

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: This particular manual was created by an individual in 1991, earlier manuals of a similar nature are not present before or after his tenure, 1991-1993.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Policy and procedure manual for internal audits
Series item number: 1.1.025
Agency item number: AU-2
Archival code: R
Retention: US+3

Appraisal Decision: This policy manual documents specific procedures for conducting internal audits. Documentation of specific and routine functions such as these do not require archival preservation. An agency-wide policy manual is available in series ED-9, Policies and procedures manuals, which is an archival series. This manual for internal audit procedures has been appraised to be non-archival. Because this is an obsolete series, it can be removed from the schedule during the next recertification period.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Planning records

Dates: 1990-1992

Agency: Public Utility Commission Administrative Division (former)

Obsolete record series?
Yes Replaced by: Reports, Administrative
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until an annual review is completed. The actual holdings of the agency are 1990- 1992, less than one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: The earliest records in this series consist of a listing of goals and accomplishments for the former Administrative Division (now Administrative Services, Executive Office). They have been replaced with an activity report, which division sections submitt monthly, which is then compiled and sent to the Executive Director. Dates covered are 1990-1992.

Purpose: The record was created to track division activities.

The Executive Office provides general and operational support for the agency and includes Administrative Services, Public Information, Consumer Affairs, Information Systems and Services areas, and Legal Administration areas.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Reports are not present prior to 1990 or after 1992. Similar reports are present after 1992 in the Executive Director's office as part of the Reports, Administrative series.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Annual report of Commission contains a summation of significant division accomplishments.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Planning records
Series item number: 1.1.024
Agency item number: AD-4
Archival code: R
Retention: AR

Appraisal Decision: This series consists of monthly activity reports of the former Administrative Division. Significant activities of the Division are summarized in the Commission's annual report, which are sufficient documentation for this series. This series has been appraised to be non- archival. Because this series has become obsolete, it can be removed from the schedule during the next recertification period.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Building construction project files

Dates: 1978-1979, 1988-1990

Agency: Public Utility Commission Administrative Division (former)

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by agency for ten years after project completion according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are 1978-1979 and 1988-1990, about 3.5 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This series concerns remodeling of the Commission's offices, and includes bids, awards, leases, construction reports, floor plans, remodeling plans, contracts, and correspondence relating to the projects. Dates of remodeling projects were 1978-1979 and 1988-1990, with the latter move containing the bulk of the materials in this series. Both projects concern remodeling of leased office space used by the Commission at the Exchange Park Building on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin. Related remodeling project files can be found in the series E-21, Building plans and specifications. Other related files are in the executive director's office concerning the current move of the building to downtown Austin (1995-1996).

Purpose: This series documents remodeling projects of the Commission.

Arrangement: Topical

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Building construction project files
Series item number: 5.2.002
Agency item number: AD-56
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+10

Appraisal Decision: These files document remodeling projects at leased office space. Building construction project files the Archives is interested in preserving are those which document major projects in state-owned buildings, not leased office space as in this series. These records have been appraised to be non-archival. Because this series has become obsolete, it can be removed from the schedule during the next recertification period.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Policies and procedures manuals

Dates: c. 1988-c. 1992

Agency: Public Utility Commission Electric Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded. The present holdings are dated c. 1988-c. 1992.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are internal staff manuals used in the Electric Division. Once created, the manuals were not actively maintained. These manuals were created in the late 1980s and not maintained past the early 1990s. They document internal procedures and may be useful for understanding some division and agency functions. An example of such a manual is "Rulemaking guidelines", which explains the process for drafting and publishing proposed agency rules. The most significant documentation, such as "rulemaking" is duplicated in the series ED-9, Policy and procedure manuals.

Purpose: These manuals document internal procedures used in the Electric Division.

The former Electric Division's duties included analyzing electric utility rates, tariffs, certificates of convenience and necessity, notices of intent, avoided costs, energy efficiency plans, load and capacity forecast filings, and provided the Commission with expert testimony and appropriate recommendations. Some staff members participated in integrated resource plan rulemaking.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Topical

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Manuals for this division not created prior to late 1980s nor maintained past the early 1990s.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Policies and procedures manuals
Series item number: 1.1.025
Agency item number: E-2
Archival code: R

Retention: US Appraisal Decision: Some of the material in these manuals is worth documenting. This was a major division and had a variety of significant agency functions. However, what appears to the most significant material is duplicated in the archival series ED-9, Policy and procedure manuals, which is the overall agency manual filed in the Executive Director's office.

This series has been appraised to be non-archival. Because this is an obsolete series from a defunct division, this series should be removed from this schedule during the next recertification of the schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Publication files

Dates: 1976-[ongoing], bulk 1985-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Electric Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: unknown

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are 1976-ongoing, bulk are 1985-[ongoing], totalling less than 20 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These materials are drafts and background information kept by various staff members of the Electric Division in the preparation of technical reports. Dates covered are 1976- [ongoing], the bulk dating 1985-[ongoing]. There is relatively little artwork or historical information present. An exception would be a series of photos included with the monthly construction progress reports in 1989-1990, covering a Texas-New Mexico power plant. Copies of the final reports are normally sent to the Publications Clearinghouse and a copy is maintained in the agency library. Photographs normally appearing in these files are in the series Photograph files, maintained by the Public Information Office.

Purpose: This series documents activities of the Electric Division.

Arrangement: By publication

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Very little exists prior to 1985.

Problems: This is a defunct division whose activities are now absorbed by two different divisions in the Office of Regulatory Affairs. The contents of this series may be split into more than one series, depending on the new schedule. People interested in these drafts should check with the RA to determine what series will maintain these files.

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: These are published and normally sent to the Publications Clearinghouse.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Publications files
Series item number: 1.1.028
Agency item number: E-3
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: Copies of the final reports are normally sent to the Publications Clearinghouse. There is relatively little artwork or historical information in these files, photographs can be found in the series Photograph files. Some of these document monthly activities, some special projects. However, since the final reports are normally sent to the Publications Clearinghouse, we do not need to keep the draft material. This series has been appraised to be non-archival. The "R" code can be removed from this series on the retention schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports, Consultants and committees

Dates: 1985-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Electric Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for ten years. The present holdings are 1985-[ongoing], less than 2 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are reports on individual projects conducted by the Electric Division staff or by consultants, which are required by the Commission to be done. Dates covered are 1985-[ongoing]. Examples of the types of reports present include a compiled report on the effects of electromagnetic fields; a report on nuclear plants' performance standards; and a consultant's review of the prudence and efficiency of the South Texas Project planning. Some of these reports are published and filed in the agency library, some are printed and entered as testimony in PUC cases. Those reports entered as testimony remain with the case record. The Library has most if not all of the published reports.

Purpose: These records report on specific projects of the Division required by the Commission.

Arrangement: Arrangement in division is unknown, in library reports are catalogued.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Reports are not present prior to 1985.

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Some of the reports are published.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports, Consultants and committees
Series item number: 1.1.034
Agency item number: E-4
Archival code: R
Retention: 10

Appraisal Decision: These reports documents activities on individual projects of the Electric Division, projects required to be done by the Commission. Highlights of division activities are briefly covered in the annual narrative report of the Commission, but not all these projects are represented. The regulation of the electric utility industry is one of the Commission's primary functions. The reports in this series provide documentation of the Electric Division's activities in this area. This series has been appraised to be archival. The archival code on the schedule needs to be changed to "A". Since this is a defunct division, the contents of this series may be split on the schedule when it is recertified because the division's functions were transferred to two divisions within the Office of Regulatory Affairs. I recommend setting up one series for these records for this Office, rather than a series for each division. If this is done and other divisions within the Office of Regulatory Affairs produce reports for this series, the series will need to be re-appraised to determine if all the reports produced are archival. I recommend changing the series title to Reports, Studies, and Surveys - Final, which better reflect the series' contents.

Transfer reports yearly to the Archives and Information Services Division once their retention period has expired. Reports from 1985 can be transferred now.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports and papers, Conference

Dates: c. late 1980s-[ongoing], bulk 1990-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Electric Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for 2 years, according to the retention schedule. The present holdings of the agency are c. late 1980s-[ongoing], approximately 10 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are reports presented at conferences and meetings. The reports were prepared and presented by the Division Director or various staff, and concern current issues faced by either the PUC as an agency, or by work undertaken within the Electric Division. Dates covered are c. late 1980s-[ongoing], the bulk dating from 1990- [ongoing]. Topics may include rule-making, rate-setting, utility regulation, and changes in the electric utility industry. The papers or reports were presented at several types of conference, such as the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Midwest Association of Regulatory Commissioners, and other regional conferences.

Purpose: The reports or papers provide information to the public concerning the electric utility industry.

Arrangement: Chronological or topical.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None are present prior to the late 1980s.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: The papers are occasionally published in conference proceedings or journals.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports and papers, Conference
Series item number: 1.1.036
Agency item number: E-6
Archival code: R
Retention: 2

Appraisal Decision: Although the Electric Division is gone, its functions were absorbed by two divisions in the Office of Regulatory Affairs. This series is ongoing but now split in two directions. The issues presented in the papers are important and may serve as a reflection of what Texas was doing in a particular area of utility regulation or research on a national level. A series already exists on the schedule where copies of significant papers presented by division staff are maintained, series ED-16, Reports and Papers, Conference. The dates of materials in series ED-16, only extend back to about 1990, so some significant papers or reports done by the Electric Division staff may not be represented in series ED-16, which means this series may contain the only copy. For the most significant reports dated prior to 1990, or for later years in which a copy of the report was not centrally located in series ED-16, I recommend a selected group of reports/papers be transferred, selected either by the RA in conjunction with knowledgeable personnel in these divisions (ORA and OPD), or by the division directors of those divisions, to the Archives and Information Services Division. If this is not possible, transfer the whole series and we will keep the significant ones in our judgement. The series for the future has been appraised as non-archival since significant papers will also be deposited in series ED-16, Reports and Papers, Conference. If this policy (sending copies to the Executive Director) changes, this series will need to be reappraised.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports and studies, Final

Dates: c. 1990-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Electric Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by agency for 5 years. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1990-[ongoing], less than one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These reports are done by staff members and most are technical in nature, dating from c. 1990-[ongoing]. Some are occasional papers, such as a report on electromagnetic fields, most are serial publications, issued usually yearly or biennially. Sample titles include "Monthly construction report", "Lignite mines survey report", and "Profiles of utility companies". These reports were initially produced by the Electric Services Division, later the Office of Regulatory Affairs (beginning in 1995). Position papers are normally filed in central records if they become integrated with docketed cases, administrative law judge reports, or final orders. Most of the reports become agency publications and a copy is sent to the Publications Clearinghouse. A copy of most of these reports is also filed in the agency library.

Purpose: These reports document activities of the Electric Division, later Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Arrangement: These are filed in staff members' offices, not in a central location. Library copies of the reports are catalogued.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None available prior to c. 1990.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Most of reports are published and are sent to Publications Clearinghouse.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports and studies, Final
Series item number: 1.1.038
Agency item number: E-10
Archival code: R
Retention: 5

Appraisal Decision: This is a series of published, technical reports documenting some activities of the Electric Division. Although the Electric Division is gone, its functions were absorbed by two divisions in the Office of Regulatory Affairs. According to the Records Administrator, many of the serials and occasional reports produced in this series will be continued by the Office of Regulatory Affairs. The technical reports are important in the documentation of the activities of this division, but because they are published, they are available both in the library at the PUC and the Publications Clearinghouse. This series has been appraised to be non-archival, and the archival code of "R" can be removed from the schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Building plans and specifications

Dates: 1989-1990

Agency: Public Utility Commission Electric Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for two years after completion according to the retention schedule. The actual holdings are 1989-1990, less than one cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: The series consists of one set of floor plans and specifications for leased office space at the Exchange Park Building on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin. The dates are 1989-1990. These plans show features for a remodeling project which took place in 1989-1990. Related materials concerning the remodeling project can be found in the series AD-56, Building construction project files.

Purpose: These floor plans document changes during a remodeling project done at the Commission's leased office space in 1989-1990.

Arrangement: None

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records:
Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Building plans and specifications
Series item number: 5.2.003
Agency item number: E-21
Archival code: none
Retention: AC+2

Appraisal Decision: These files document remodeling projects at leased office space. Building plans and specifications the Archives is interested in preserving are those which document major projects in state-owned buildings, not leased office space as in this series. These records have been appraised to be non-archival. Because this series has become obsolete, it can be removed from the schedule during the next recertification period.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Policies and procedures manuals

Dates: 1993-1994

Agency: Public Utility Commission Economic and Regulatory Policy Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded. The present holdings are dated 1993-1994, less than 1 cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This is a policy statement for the Economic and Regulatory Policy Division. It does not include a procedure manual. This division was active in 1993-1994. It was abolished in 1995.

Purpose: These statements set forth the policies followed the Economic and Regulatory Policy Division.

The agency underwent a major reorganization in 1995, going from seven to three offices--Office of Policy Development, Office of Regulatory Affairs, and the Executive Office.

The Economic and Regulatory Policy Division was abolished in 1995, with some its duties taken over by the new Office of Policy Development. Duties of the former division included providing planning and analysis of policy issues for the Commissioners.

Arrangement: None

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: none

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Policies and procedures manuals
Series item number: 1.1.025
Agency item number: ERP-1
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: This is a policy statement concerning the functioning of this division. There are not any procedures included. This is a division which was only in existence a short time, but for which I can find little material. It is not mentioned in the agency's annual narrative reports for those years, so the work of the Division is minimally covered. This has been appraised to be an archival record. It is not covered in the agency-wide policies and procedures manual, series ED-9. This can be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience. This series is being removed from this schedule as it is an obsolete item from a division which does not exist any longer.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reports, Administrative

Dates: 1993-1994

Agency: Public Utility Commission Economic and Regulatory Policy Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded. The present holdings are 1993-1994, less than 1 cubic foot.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These reports are primarily comments in response to federal electric and telephone regulatory issues and decisions as well as state-level investigatory reports regarding electric and telephone utility regulatory issues. These reports were prepared by the ERP staff in conjunction with other PUC staff. Dates covered are 1993- 1994. Topics include Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transmission rate rules, demand-side management, competitive bidding, economic development rates, etc.

Purpose: These reports document responses of this division to state and federal regulatory issues.

The agency underwent a major reorganization in 1995, going from seven to three offices--Office of Policy Development, Office of Regulatory Affairs, and the Executive Office.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reports, Administrative
Series item number: 1.1.038
Agency item number: ERP-2
Archival code: none
Retention: 3

Appraisal Decision: These reports document some of the functioning of this division, for which little else can be found, and provide some comments by the Commission into federal and state regulatory issues. These reports are not duplicated in the administrative reports from the Executive Director's office, series ED-10, Reports, Administrative, and they were not sent to the Publications Clearinghouse. This division was abolished in 1995, with some its duties taken over by the new Office of Policy Development. This series has been determined to be archival. The reports can be transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division at the agency's earliest convenience. Because this is an obsolete series, it should be removed from the retention schedule during the next recertification.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Rules correspondence

Dates: c. 1985-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Hearings Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for three years after the rule has been superseded. The present holdings of are c. 1985- [ongoing].

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This series contains letters accompanying the transmission of Commission rules and comments about rules to the Texas Register. Dates covered are c. 1985-[ongoing]. Substantial correspondence about the rules can be found in another series, CR-12, Rule making projects. Also, major discussions about rules are available in the Final order meeting transcripts, and summaries of comments are published in the Texas Register.

Purpose: This correspondence documents transmission of rules and comments about rules to the Texas Register.

Former duties of the Hearings Division included presiding over Commission proceedings, advising the Commission on legal and procedural ramifications of proposed rules, and monitoring compliance with directives in the Commissioners' final orders.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Unknown

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None available prior to the mid-late 1980s.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Rules correspondence
Series item number: 1.1.007
Agency item number: H-1
Archival code: R
Retention: US+3

Appraisal Decision: These are routine letters of transmission which accompany rules, and comments about rules sent to the Texas Register for publication. Substantial correspondence about the rules can be found in another series, CR-12, Rule making projects. Also, major discussions about rules are available in the Final order meeting transcripts, series CR-7, and summaries of comments are published in the Texas Register.

This series has been appraised to be non-archival. The Hearings Division has been transferred to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The records have been transferred to another division, reflect the change on the retention schedule.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Reference materials (maps)

Dates: 1976-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Hearings Division - Central Records

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: unknown

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for 35 years after completion. The present holdings of the agency are 1976-[ongoing], approximately 146 cubic feet. Earlier series of maps are stored offsite at the State Records Center.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are maps of utility service boundaries and facilities, prepared by the utilities and by the PUC in conjunction with utilities certification to serve in Texas. Dates covered are 1976-[ongoing]. Some of the maps are in color, some in black and white, some are blueprint copies. The maps cover service boundaries at the county level, generally one map for each county. Different series exist for illustrating boundaries of telephone utilities vs. electric utilities.

Purpose: The maps document service territories and facilities of utilities.

Arrangement: Numerically, by number assigned to a utility.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? Yes. An index is available for the maps listed both at the agency and the State Records Center.

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: The maps are generally not published in agency publications.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Reference materials (maps)
Series item number: 1.1
Agency item number: CR-22
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+35

Appraisal Decision: These maps document the service boundaries and facilities of different utility companies in different times and do have continuing reference value, in addition to continued agency use. This information is not present in summary form elsewhere in the PUC reports. These maps have been appraised to be archival. The archival review code on the retention schedule should be changed to "A". Although there are a number of boxes of maps, the number of maps is not overwhelming, as these are often larger maps folded several times in the boxes. The RA has indicated the agency has considered imaging their maps for long-term storage or possibly microfilming them. If another viable, long-term storage medium becomes available, we can consider that option. For now, we will transfer the paper copies when their retention period has expired. The agency has put a 35 year retention period on the maps, making the oldest maps eligible for transfer in the year 2001. This retention period seems to be excessive, perhaps 15-20 years would serve the retention and agency use of these maps just as well. If the agency feels the original series of maps (stored in the Records Center) has ceased having active administrative value, they should transfer those maps to the Archives and Information Services Division at their earliest convenience.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Operations Review office manual

Dates: c. 1988-1992

Agency: Public Utility Commission Operations Review Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1988-1992, fractional.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: The manual is a collection of descriptive information about the division and its staff, most of which is produced elsewhere in the agency. It is dated c. 1988- 1992. It includes organization charts, a seniority list, job descriptions, areas of expertise, birthday lists, and home addresses and phone numbers. It also contains a travel expenditure summary, and a list of division records in storage. The Finance Section manual can be found in the notebook with this manual.

Purpose: The manual is used to store information about the division and staff, basically personnel-related in nature.

Duties of the former Operations Review Division included analyzing the operations and financial condition of the electric and telephone utilities regulated by the PUC, recommending a reasonable rate of return for utilities, and determining if a rate investigation should be initiated. Most of this divisions' duties were transferred to the Office of Regulatory Affairs, primarily to the Financial Review Division within that office.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Topical

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: This was first created in the late 1980s and was not kept up after 1992. This division is now defunct.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Operations Review office manual
Series item number: 1.1.025
Agency item number: OR-3
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: This manual documents routine and personnel-related information about the staff and operations of this division, most of which, according to division personnel, can be found elsewhere in the agency. Because it documents routine staff information, this has been appraised to be a non-archival record. Because this series has become obsolete, it can be removed from the schedule during the next recertification period. A comprehensive manual for the Commission is series ED-9, Policies and procedures manual, which has been appraised as archival.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Finance Section procedure manual

Dates: c. 1988-c. 1992

Agency: Public Utility Commission Operations Review Division, Finance Section

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded. The present holdings of the agency are c. 1988-c. 1992, fractional.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: The manual contains the general guidelines set forth by the Finance Section with which they analyze utility data and other information submitted to the PUC in utility rate cases and other administrative law proceedings. It does not contain agency-wide policies and procedures, just those of the Finance Section. It dates from c. 1988-c. 1992. The manual is filed in the Operations Review Manual notebook.

Purpose: This manual documents procedures of the Finance Section of the Operations Review Division.

Arrangement: Topical

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: This was first created in the late 1980s and was not kept up after the early 1990s. This Operation Review Division, which the Finance Section was part of, is now defunct.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Finance Section procedure manual
Series item number: 1.1.025
Agency item number: OR-4
Archival code: R
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: This manual was created to orient new staff to the work of the Finance Section. The procedures in this manual are very specific to one or two tasks performed by the Division and are not necessary to retain to obtain good agency documentation of this Division's functions. The function of the Operations Review Division, which the Finance Section was part of, is documented elsewhere in the agency, including in annual reports, biennial budget requests, and strategic plans. This has been appraised to be a non-archival series. Because this series has become obsolete, it can be removed from the schedule during the next recertification period. A comprehensive manual for the Commission is series ED-9, Policies and procedures manual, which has been appraised as archival.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Management audit implementation completion reports

Dates: 1984-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Operations Review Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for five years after completion. The present holdings of the agency are 1984-[ongoing], several cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

The Publications Clearinghouse holds copies for the years 1984-1989.

Description: These are interim progress reports submitted by utilities, dating 1984-[ongoing]. Utilities subject to management audits by the PUC must report on the actions they have taken to implement the recommendations in the audit. These reports contain primary action step and schedule information submitted by the utilities. Legislation in 1983 mandated the initiation of utility management audits to be done every 10 years, which began in 1984. In 1995, the Legislature removed the requirement that these audits be done every 10 years. The reports are published with copies deposited in the Publications Clearinghouse of the Library and Archives Commission.

Purpose: These reports contain primary step and schedule information submitted by utilities in implementing recommendations made during a management audit by or for the PUC.

Arrangement: Unknown

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: Program began in 1984.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: These are published and sent to the Publications Clearinghouse.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Management audit implementation completion reports
Series item number: 1.1.031
Agency item number: OR-6
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+5

Appraisal Decision: These are interim audit reports giving progress made in implementing management audit recommendations. According the staff members, after the recommendations are implemented by the utility, the interim reports contain no information useful to the agency. The management audit reports contain the recommendations and are regularly sent to the Publications Clearinghouse. Also, documenting changes made by individual utilities is not necessary in the overall documentation of this agency. These reports have been appraised to be non-archival. The archival code of "R" can be removed from the retention schedule. The Commission needs to send copies of reports dating from 1990 on to fill the gaps in the Publications Clearringhouse holdings.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Compliance audit reports

Dates: 1989-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Operations Review Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for ten years. The present holdings of the agency are 1989-[ongoing], size unknown.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

The Publications Clearinghouse holds copies for the years 1992-1996.

Description: Compliance audits are performed by the Commission to ensure that utilities comply with the Public Utilities Regulatory Act (Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1446.0) and the Commission's substantive rules (16 Texas Administrative Code, Section 23). Dates covered are 1989- [ongoing]. Final reports on the utilities compliance are retained permanently by the PUC and filed in the Publications Clearinghouse. The program began in 1989 and continues. The program was transferred to a new division in 1995, following a major PUC reorganization. This function is now carried out by the Consumer Affairs Section of the Administrative Services Division.

Purpose: These reports document a utility's compliance with PURA and PUC rules.

Arrangement: Alphabetically by utility name.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None. Program began in 1989.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: Final reports are published and filed in the Publications Clearinghouse.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Compliance audit reports
Series item number: 1.1.031
Agency item number: OR-7
Archival code: R
Retention: 10

Appraisal Decision: These reports document agencies in compliance (or not) with PURA and PUC regulations. The annual report of the Commission lists those utilities which were audited. This is sufficient documentation of utilities undergoing compliance audits. Also, the reports are maintained permanently by the agency and in the Publications Clearinghouse. These reports have been appraised to be non-archival. The archival code of "R" can be removed from the retention schedule. The Commission needs to send copies of reports from 1989-1991 to fill gaps in the Publications Clearinghouse publications.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Audit proposals

Dates: 1984-1995

Agency: Public Utility Commission Operations Review Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for 10 years. The present holdings of the agency are 1984-1995, size unknown.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are proposals prepared and submitted by an accounting or management consulting firm to conduct a management audit of a utility under the PUC's jurisdiction. Dates covered are 1984-1995. The winning bid was selected and approved by the Commissioners. However, the audit did not result in an expenditure of state funds because the utility being audited paid for the audit. This raised questions about the independence of the audit, and therefore, the Commission discontinued the practice of seeking management audit proposals in 1989. In 1995, on the Commission's recommendation, the Legislature removed the requirement that utility management audits be performed every 10 years, which will result in no further audit proposals.

Purpose: The proposals were used to select firms to conduct management audits of utilities.

Arrangement: Unknown

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None. The program began in 1984 and was discontinued in 1995.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Audit proposals
Series item number: 1.1.034
Agency item number: OR-9
Archival code: R
Retention: 10

Appraisal Decision: These are proposals used to select management firms to conduct audits of utilities under the PUC jurisdiction. Documentation of who performed audits and who did not get bids does not need archival documentation. The annual report of the Commission lists those utilities which were audited, with the names of the auditing firm given in some reports. This is sufficient documentation. These reports have been appraised to be non-archival. Since this function has been discontinued, this is an obsolete series which should be removed from the schedule during the next recertification.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Field investigation reports

Dates: 1983-1994

Agency: Public Utility Commission Telephone Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for ten years after completion. The present holdings of the agency are 1983-1994, 12.8 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: Reports made to track utilities' compliance with the quality of service rule, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Section 23.61. Dates covered are 1983-1994. At one time the Commission directly tested company equipment for local exchange carriers to determine whether the equipment in place had the capacity to handle all calls placed at most peak periods, and that service calls were performed within a reasonable amount of time. This monitoring program was ended in 1994 because many local exchange telephone companies were replacing their older electromechanical switching equipment with computerized equipment which increased system capacity and reliability. Reports by utilities and complaints in the Consumer Affairs section discuss some reports, as about 15 % of the field investigations were in response to complaints. Utilities are required to file reports which include information on their quality of service. These are filed in the Central Records section of the Commission and a database is prepared from them for use in reviewing company performance.

Purpose: These reports track utilities' compliance with quality of service rule, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Section 23.61.

Former duties of the Telephone Division included economic and policy analysis; rate design; tariff analysis; and providing expertise, research, reports, and testimony on telecommunication issues.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 1445c-0.

Arrangement: Alphabetical by company name.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None prior to 1983, program ended in 1994.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Field investigation reports
Series item number: 1.1.038
Agency item number: T-5
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+10

Appraisal Decision: These reports track utility compliance with the quality of service rule. Compliance audit reports, series OR-9, reflect major problems with the utility, which are also listed in the annual report of the Commission. This is sufficient documentation of these audit/monitoring functions. Also, the compliance audit reports are published and deposited in the Publications Clearinghouse.

The field investigation reports have been appraised to be non-archival. This function was discontinued in 1994, making this an obsolete series. This series should be removed from the retention schedule during the next recertification.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Service performance index summary

Dates: c. 1984-1994

Agency: Public Utility Commission Telephone Division

Obsolete record series? Yes
Replaced by: none
Ongoing record series? No
Annual accumulation:

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for ten years after completion. The present holdings are c. 1984-1994, about 12.8 cubic feet.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: This series documents service quality monitoring done by the Commission in telecommunications utilities. The monitoring involved measuring the capacity of the network to meet the number of calls made. Dates covered in this index are c. 1984-1994. Based on the Commission's monitoring program, utilities are also required to file quarterly reports which include some data on their quality of service. These reports are in series T-7, Service Interruption Summary Report, and are kept in the Central Records section of the Commission. A related report, Inventory of Telecommunications Services Offered by Texas Local Exchange Companies, was published in 1994 and was deposited in the Publications Clearinghouse. This program has been phased out by the Commission because in many areas the equipment has been updated--the electromechancial equipment in use has been replaced by computers.

Purpose: This series documents service quality monitoring done by the Commission in telecommunications utilities. The monitoring involved measuring the capacity of the network to meet the number of calls made.

Arrangement: Alphabetical by company.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None prior to c. 1984, program was phrased out in 1994.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Service performance index summary
Series item number: 1.1.038
Agency item number: T-6
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+10

Appraisal Decision: This series documents service quality monitoring of individual utility companies. Summary data on the auditing/monitoring of utility companies is present in the Commission's annual report. Additionally, a related report, Inventory of Telecommunications Services Offered by the Texas Local Exchange Companies, was published in 1994 and deposited in the Publications Clearinghouse.

The service performance index summary has been appraised to be non-archival. This monitoring function was discontinued in 1994, making this an obsolete series. This series should be removed from the retention schedule during the next recertification.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Service interruption summary report

Dates: 1983-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission Telephone Division

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency for ten years after completed. The present holdings are 1983-[ongoing], size unknown.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

Description: These are quarterly reports submitted by telephone utilities which contain the company's address, services performed, number of access lines and other equipment, number of complaints, and other items. Dates covered are 1983-[ongoing]. These reports are required by the Commission for monitoring purposes. The information from the reports is put into a database for ease of tracking the above mentioned data. The hard copy reports are retained in the Central Records section of the agency. A related report is series CR-9, Required reports from regulated agencies, a non-archival series for which the reports are microfilmed and maintained by the agency.

Purpose: These reports are used in monitoring telephone utilities.

Arrangement: Alphabetical by utility, then chronological.

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None are present prior to 1983.

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Service interruption summary report
Series item number: 1.1.038
Agency item number: T-7
Archival code: R
Retention: AC+10

Appraisal Decision: This series documents service monitoring of individual telephone utility companies. The information is available in electronic and paper formats, with the paper copy being the record copy. Summary data on the auditing/monitoring of telephone utility companies is present in the Commission's annual report, which is sufficient documentation for this function.

This series has been appraised to be non-archival. The "R" code can be removed from the retention schedule. The computer database needs to be added to the retention schedule, with a retention period of PS or US. The database is also non-archival and will not need an archival code.

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Strategic plans

Dates: 1992, 1994, 1996

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency. This series is not on the schedule, so an agency retention period has yet to be determined. The holdings of the agency are 1992, 1994, 1996, fractional.

Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Library and Archives Commission.

The archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending 55 copies to the Publications Clearinghouse, Library and Archives Commission (12 Texas Administrative Code, Section 3.3(1) (C)). The Clearinghouse holds the plans for 1992, 1994, 1996.

Description: Strategic plans are long-range planning tools prepared by the agency in which the goals and objectives of the agency are presented along with performance measures for each. Plans contain a mission statement, a statement of philosophy, and external/internal assessment of the agency, and the goals of the agency. Each goal contains objectives, strategies, and output measures for measuring and achieving the goals. Also present is an organization chart of the agency. The Public Utility Commission has prepared three plans, in 1992, 1994, 1996, with the planning time frames 1992-1998, 1995-1999, and 1997-2001, respectively.

Purpose: Strategic plans are long-range planning tools prepared by the agency which set forth goals and objectives of the agency over a multi-year period.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: None

Suggested series from state records retention schedule:
Title: Strategic plans
Series item number: 1.1.055
Agency item number: to be assigned
Archival code: A
Retention: PM

Appraisal Decision: The strategic plans document the long-range planning activities of the Commission and are already considered archival. Their archival mandate is fulfilled by the agency sending copies of the reports to the Publications Clearinghouse. This series needs to be added to the records retention schedule, with an archival code of "A". The state recommended retention schedule will be revised to carry an Archival Code of "A" for this series. Also, a note should be put in the Remarks column, "Copies sent to the Publications Clearinghouse fulfill the archival mandate."

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Records Series Review
Series Title: Organization charts

Dates: 1979-[ongoing]

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional

Agency holdings: Retained by the agency until superseded. Actual holdings of the agency are 1979-[ongoing], fractional.

Archival holdings: Organization charts, 1979-1996, fractional.

Description: These charts illustrate graphically the administrative structure of the different functional units within the agency. Dates covered are 1979-[ongoing]. Copies of the organization charts have been published in the Commission's annual report since 1979.

Purpose: These charts illustrate graphically the administrative structure of the different functional units within the agency.

Arrangement: Chronological

Access constraints: None

Use constraints: None

Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No

Gaps: None

Problems: None

Known related records in other agencies: None

Publications based on records: A copy of the chart is published in the Commission's annual report.

Series data from agency schedule:
Title: Organization charts
Series item number: 1.1.023
Agency item number: PER-1 and ED-8
Archival code: A
Retention: US

Appraisal Decision: Organization charts provide a graphic description of the administrative structure of the functional units of an agency. These have been appraised to be an archival record. This series appears twice on the retention schedule. Series ED-8 is a convenience copy and series PER-1 contains the record copy. Remove series ED-8 from the schedule as only one series needs to be listed.

The Archives and Information Services Division has already received a set of the charts dating 1979-1996. Copies of future charts can be transferred as they are superseded.

Records Appraisal Report: Public Utility Commission

Contents of this report Agency Contact | Agency History | Project Review | Record Series Reviews

Related report 1999 Addendum

Archival finding aid Texas Public Utility Commission: An Inventory of Records at the Texas State Archives, 1975-2002

Agency Contact

Agency History and Structure

Project Review

Archival holdings

Previous destructions

Project Outcome

Record Series Reviews

Records Appraisal Report:
Public Utility Commission

Contents of this report
Agency Contact | Agency History | Project Review | Record Series Reviews

Related report
1999 Addendum

Archival finding aid
Texas Public Utility Commission: An Inventory of Records at the Texas State Archives, 1975-2002