Public Utility Holding Company Act: Major Statutory Provisions and Possible Reform Efforts (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Feb. 6, 2002 |
| Report Number |
RS20952 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Michael V. Seitzinger, American Law Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 regulates holding companies which have subsidiaries that are electric utility companies or that are engaged in the retail distribution of natural gas or manufactured gas. Under PUHCA all holding companies which have subsidiaries that are engaged in the electric utility business or in the retail distribution of natural or manufactured gas much register with the SEC if they engage in interstate commerce. For a number of years efforts have occurred to reform PUHCA because of the belief of critics that it has accomplished its goal and that it is no longer warranted. Others maintain that PUHCA still serves a necessary purpose and that to repeal or significantly amend it could lead to abuses in the utility industry which the Act currently prevents. Several bills have been introduced in the 107th Congress to repeal or amend PUHCA.
