56-235.3 - Procedures for investigation of rate applications. - Virginia Statutes

§ 56-235.3. Procedures for investigation of rate applications.

At any hearing on the application of a public utility for a change in a rate,toll, charge or schedule, the burden of proof to show that the proposedchange is just and reasonable, shall be upon the public utility. TheCommission shall be authorized to prescribe all necessary rules andregulations for the conduct of such hearings which shall provide for full andfair participation in such hearings by any interested person subject to suchguidelines as the Commission may deem appropriate. Upon the conclusion ofsuch hearings, the Commission shall issue an order and such opinion as isnecessary to set forth fully the Commission's findings of fact andconclusions of law. Copies of the transcripts of public hearings held toestablish a fair rate of return and changes in rates, tolls and charges forinvestor-owned public utilities involving significant public interest shallbe placed in no less than one location nor more than three locations in thegeographic area served by the utility. The Commission shall determine whichproceedings are of sufficient interest to require the placing of suchtranscripts and the location or locations to be used; provided, however, thatproceedings involving investor-owned utilities serving 25,000 or morecustomers shall be deemed to be of sufficient public interest.

(1977, c. 336.)