80.28.120 - Effect on existing contracts. - Washington Statutes

Effect on existing contracts.

Every gas, water or electrical company owning, operating or managing a plant or system for the distribution and sale of gas, water or electricity to the public for hire shall be and be held to be a public service company as to such plant or system and as to all gas, water or electricity distributed or furnished therefrom, whether such gas, water or electricity be sold wholesale or retail or be distributed wholly to the general public or in part as surplus gas, water or electricity to manufacturing or industrial concerns or to other public service companies or municipalities for redistribution. Nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent any gas company, electrical company or water company from continuing to furnish its product or the use of its lines, equipment or service under any contract or contracts in force on June 7, 1911, at the rates fixed in such contract or contracts: PROVIDED, That the commission shall have power, in its discretion, to direct by order that such contract or contracts shall be terminated by the company party thereto and thereupon such contract or contracts shall be terminated by such company as and when directed by such order.

[1961 c 14 § 80.28.120. Prior: 1933 c 165 § 1; 1911 c 117 § 34; RRS § 10370.]