Article VI, Section 3-9 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1921, succeeding the former Railroad Commission of Louisiana, originally created the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Currently, operating consistent with the constitutional authority granted in Article IV, Section 21 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, the Commission’s five elected Commissioners and regulatory staff provide a thorough but efficient regulatory process that is fair, open, encourage public participation, and anticipates the demands of an ever evolving regulatory environment. Specifically, the Commission exercises regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities providing electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and certain telecommunications services in Louisiana. The LPSC also regulates certain common carrier intrastate pipelines, and motor carriers providing the following intrastate services: certain passenger carriers, waste haulers, household goods movers and non-consensual towing and recovery services. Municipally owned and operated utilities are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Finally, the LPSC has other regulatory authority as granted by the Louisiana Legislature, specifically including the “Telephonic Solicitation Relief Act”, more commonly known as the “Do Not Call” program.

Per the constitution, the Commissions's official domicile is Baton Rouge; however, each individual Commissioner maintains district office(s) in each Commissioner’s geographical district. The LPSC conducts monthly meetings at its domicile, and often throughout the State. The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission is the Executive Secretary who is appointed by the Commissioners. The Executive Secretary is accountable to the elected Commissioners and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Commission. The Commission Staff consists of administrative law judges, attorneys, auditors, utility specialists, and consumer specialists, as well as other support staff, who assist with the Commission’s regulatory mission and day-to-day operations.