The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas and water utilities in the Commonwealth; developing alternatives to traditional regulation; monitoring service quality; and regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas, and for the siting of energy facilities. The mission of the Department is to ensure that utility consumers are provided with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost; to protect the public safety from transportation and gas pipeline related accidents; to oversee the energy facilities siting process; and to ensure that residential ratepayers' rights are protected.