The public service commission shall, by general order, create a division within its staff which shall provide legal, engineering, financial and accounting advice and assistance to public service districts and Class III cities and Class IV towns or villages in operational, financial and regulatory matters, and may perform or participate in the studies required under section one-b, article thirteen-a, chapter sixteen of this code: Provided, That advice and assistance to a Class III city or Class IV town or village shall only be given if such advice or assistance is specifically requested by the Class III city or the Class IV town or village. The request may be withdrawn by the city or town at any time, after which the commission shall not provide further assistance or advice.