Vermont Public Utility Commission Denies Motion to Reconsider Consumer Complaint

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission ("Commission") has denied a motion to reconsider a consumer complaint filed by Bruce P. Murray against Green Mountain Power Corporation ("GMP"). The complaint related to GMP's maintenance of a right-of-way over which GMP retains an easement to provide electric service to Mr. Murray's residence. The Commission dismissed the complaint in March 2023, determining that it did not raise a basis for a violation of any applicable statute or rule. Mr. Murray subsequently filed a handwritten note objecting to GMP's documents, which the Commission treated as a motion for reconsideration. However, the Commission denied the motion, citing the high standard for granting reconsideration and the fact that Mr. Murray failed to provide sufficient detail or argument to support his objections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission dismissed a consumer complaint filed by Bruce P. Murray against Green Mountain Power Corporation in March 2023.
  • The Commission determined that the complaint did not raise a basis for a violation of any applicable statute or rule.
  • Mr. Murray filed a handwritten note objecting to GMP's documents, which the Commission treated as a motion for reconsideration.
  • The Commission denied the motion, citing the high standard for granting reconsideration and the fact that Mr. Murray failed to provide sufficient detail or argument to support his objections.
  • The Commission's decision to deny the motion was based on precedent applying Vermont Rule of Civil Procedure 59, which the Commission incorporated into its Rule 2.221.
  • The Commission retains discretion to deny consideration of discrete issues not raised prior to entry of judgment.

Statistics:

  • 1 case number: 22-1193-CC
  • 1 Commission order: entered on 12/22/2023
  • 1 consumer complaint: filed by Bruce P. Murray against Green Mountain Power Corporation
  • 1 motion to reconsider: filed by Mr. Murray
  • 1 Commission rule: Rule 2.221
  • 1 precedent: Rubin v. Sterling Enterprises, Inc., 164 Vt. 582, 588, 674 A.2d 782 (1996)

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-1193-CC, Consumer Complaint of B.P.M re: Green Mountain Power (order entered 12/22/2023).
  • Vermont Rule of Civil Procedure 59
  • Rubin v. Sterling Enterprises, Inc., 164 Vt. 582, 588, 674 A.2d 782 (1996)