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TRA Agency Information

In 1995, the General Assembly approved legislation to create the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, a governing body to regulate utilities in Tennessee. The Authority's mission is to promote the public interest by balancing the interests of utility consumers and providers while facilitating the transition to a more competitive environment. The agency's leadership is comprised of four directors appointed by the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Speaker of the House and one joint appointment.

TRA Agency Divisions

  • CONSUMER SERVICES: The role of this division is to ensure consumers receive an adequate level of service from regulated companies and to educate consumers regarding changes and new programs in the regulated utility sector.
  • ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND POLICY: The role of this division is to provide research, analysis and advice to the Directors and staff of the TRA regarding matters of economics and public policy.
  • GAS PIPELINE SAFETY: The role of this division is to contribute to the safety and reliability of natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline facilities to minimize the risk to public health and safety associated with the accidental release of natural gas.
  • UTILITIES: The role of this division is to provide the agency with detailed analyses, recommendations and technical assistance needed to make informed decisions on issues related to the development of competitve markets and the preservation of affordable prices for utility services in Tennessee.

TRA Agency Services

  • CAPTEL: Designed to assist individuals who are late deafened or hard of hearing to make and receive telephone calls with a captioning feature offered by this service.
  • Do Not Call: Designed to provide relief to Tennessee citizens from unwanted telemarketing calls to their residence.
  • Do Not Fax: Designed to provide relief to Tennessee citizens from unwanted fax advertisements.
  • Link-up and Lifeline: These programs assist low-income citizens by reducing the installation charge to establish or transfer local telephone service and by reducing, up to $13.50, their monthly telephone bill.
  • Tennessee Relay Center: A service designed to assist individuals with hearing loss and speech disabilities to make and receive telephone calls.
  • Slamming and Cramming: You've been slammed if your local or long distance telephone service has been changed without your knowledge or permission. If you are being billed for something that was never authorized by you or someone you know, such as Caller ID, Internet access, or an additional telephone line, or any other telecommunications related service or product, it's likely that you've been crammed.
  • Telecommunications Device Access Program (TDAP): Provides telecommunications devices so that persons who have a disability may effectively use basic telephone service for FREE.

File a Complaint with the TRA

The TRA serves the citizens of Tennessee in many ways. One of which is by serving as a mediator for complaints against regulated utilities and serving as the central administrator of the Do Not Call and Do Not Fax programs. To file a complaint, click on a link below.