Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (Kan.).

Initially, the Chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) established the Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) in 1988 when he perceived a need for a stronger consumer advocate. During the 1989 legislative session, House Bill 2454 was passed and signed by the Governor. This bill established CURB as a state agency effective July 1, 1989. House Bill 2454 contained a two-year sunset provision. CURB's enabling legislation is set forth in K.S.A. 66-1222 et seq. (1989). During the 1991 legislative session, House Bill 2439 was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor. This bill re-authorized CURB and clarified its funding mechanism and budgeting process. This bill also separated CURB from the KCC for budgetary purposes and made CURB an independent agency. The Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board's mission is to protect the interests of residential and small commercial utility ratepayers in the state of Kansas. The Board is committed to providing efficient and effective legal and technical representation for residential and small commercial utility ratepayers and to ensure that utilities are allowed to charge only just and reasonable rates to Kansans. Five members are appointed to the Board by the Governor for four-year terms, one for each congressional district and a fifth person acting as an at-large member. [Kansas Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board. "About Us" and "Our Commitment..." http://curb.kansas.gov/ (accessed 9 April 2009).]