As used in this part and part 2 of chapter 2, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Committee" means the legislative consumer committee provided for in Title 5, chapter 15, part 1.
(2) "Consumer counsel" means the consumer counsel provided for in Title 5, chapter 15, part 2.
(3) "Regulated companies" means all those organizations, corporations, associations, or other public or private entities which now are or may hereafter become subject to regulation in any manner by the department of public service regulation or the public service commission or any successor agency.