Come Early

If possible, try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled starting time. This will allow you to hear the introductions and instructions offered by Commissioners and the PSC staff.

Sign Up

Look for a sign-in sheet and sign up if you wish to testify.

Prepare What You Want to Say in Advance

It is helpful to prepare your remarks ahead of time. If you are nervous about speaking in public, you may want to write out your statement and then read it at the hearing. Typically, consumers are allowed three minutes to speak to Commissioners.

Add Your Own Experience

As a customer of the utility, you have unique information. When you testify, give specific examples to support the issues that you are addressing. If other customers have already testified about the same issue, you may still mention it since it shows that the issue is not an isolated incident.  Include information on how the utility rate change will impact you and the decisions you make about your finances.  Share information about the quality of the service you receive or how you were treated by the utility’s customer service department.  Speak only about your personal experience unless you are a volunteer with an organization or represent a homeowner’s association.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

And remember, if you cannot make it to the public hearing in person you can always send in written comments to the PSC and those comments will be placed in the Docket.