Public Utility Holding Company Act

The Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) was enacted in 1935 to regulate large utility companies that provide electricity and natural gas. It aimed to eliminate unfair practices and excessive corporate control in the utility sector by preventing monopolies and ensuring that utility services were reliable and affordable. The law required these companies to register with the government, disclose their financial information, and adhere to regulations designed to protect consumers and promote fair competition. Although most of the act was repealed in 2005, its fundamental principles of transparency and consumer protection remain relevant in the energy industry.