The mission of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is to provide consumer protection, advocacy, and education for the Commonwealth's citizens. The Office coordinates policy and planning for the following regulatory divisions: the Division of Banks, the Division of Insurance, the Division of Registration, the Division of Standards, the State Racing Commission, the Board of Registration in Medicine, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (formerly the Department of Public Utilities), and the Division of Energy Resources.

Objectives

In November of 1997, Governor Cellucci signed a bill to restructure the electric industry. This act will permit consumers to purchase electric services competitively, with Massachusetts residents and businesses realizing at least a 10% reduction in their electric bills.

To implement the provisions of this act, the Department of Telecommunications and Energy was given expanded responsibilities, and the Division of Energy Resources was moved from the Department of Economic Development to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The office will oversee and coordinate these new functions.

In addition to overseeing the implementation of the Electric Industry Restructuring Act, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation will oversee implementation of the Division of Registration's strategic plan to improve public access to licensee information and eliminate the consumer complaint backlog, and oversee the physician profile system at the Board of Registration in Medicine.

Budget Recommendations

The amount recommended for Fiscal Year 1999 provides the same level of services as provided in Fiscal Year 1998, with the exception of a $39,500 increase for administrative costs associated with the Electric Industry Restructuring Act.