reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WI Stat § 196.642 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.642 - Customer liability for treble damages.

196.642  Customer liability for treble damages. (1) In an action to collect the outstanding balance on a customer's account, a court may award a public utility furnishing gas or electricity 3 times the amount of that portion of the outstanding balance incurred after October 31 and before April 16 if all of the following conditions are met:(a) The customer's payment on any portion of the outstanding balance incurred after October 31 and before April 16 is 80 or more days past due.(b) The customer's quarterly household income exceeds 250 percent of the income poverty guidelines for the nonfarm population of the United States as prescribed by the federal office of management and budget under 42 USC 9902 (2) during a calendar year quarter in which any portion of the outstanding balance incurred after October 31 and before April 16 is billed.(c) The customer exhibited an ability to pay the portion of the outstanding balance incurred after October 31 and before April 16 when billed.(d) The public utility includes with the first billing statement for any portion of an outstanding balance incurred after October 31 and before April 16 a written notice informing the customer that a court may award the public utility 3 times the amount of that portion of the outstanding balance incurred after October 31 and before April 16 if the customer's payment on any portion of that amount is 80 or more days past due, the customer exhibited an ability to pay that amount and the customer's household income exceeds a threshold level. (2) The finder of fact shall consider all of the following factors to determine if a customer exhibited an ability to pay:(a) Size of the outstanding balance.(b) Customer's payment history.(c) Period of time the balance is past due.(d) Customer's reasons for the outstanding balance.(e) Customer's household size, income and expenses. (3) The finder of fact may consider other relevant factors concerning a customer's circumstances to determine if a customer exhibited an ability to pay. (4) Nothing in this section prevents a public utility in an action to collect the outstanding balance on a customer's account from seeking damages other than damages that meet the conditions under sub. (1), but the treble damages provision applies only to damages that meet the conditions under sub. (1).History:  1989 a. 40.
WI Stat § 196.643 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.643 - Public utility service to rental dwelling unit.

196.643  Public utility service to rental dwelling unit. (1) Responsible party. When a customer terminates service to the customer's rental dwelling unit, a public utility shall make reasonable attempt to identify the party responsible for service to the rental dwelling unit after the customer's termination. If a responsible party cannot be identified, the public utility may give the owner written notice by regular or other mail of the public utility's intent to hold the owner responsible for service to the rental dwelling unit. The owner shall not be responsible for service if the public utility does not give the notice under this subsection or if, within 15 days after the date the notice is mailed, the owner notifies the public utility of the name of the party responsible for service to the rental dwelling unit or notifies the public utility that service to the rental dwelling unit should be terminated and affirms that service termination will not endanger human health or life or cause damage to property. (2)  Joint metering. If gas, electric or water service is measured jointly for 2 or more rental dwelling units, the owner shall maintain the account for gas, electric or water service in the name of the owner or in the name of the agent responsible for the collection of rent and the management of the rental dwelling units. (3)  Notifications; electric service.  (a) If requested by the owner of a rental dwelling unit and authorized by the tenant residing in the unit as provided in par. (b), all of the following apply to the public utility that provides electric service to the tenant:1. The public utility shall notify the owner in the same manner as the tenant of any pending disconnection of service to the unit that is due to nonpayment of past due charges.2. The public utility may provide information about the status of a disconnection described in subd. 1. to the owner by telephone.(b) A public utility or owner may obtain from a tenant the authorization required under par. (a), except that an owner must obtain the authorization in a separate written document. (4)  Resumption of service. No public utility may require the owner of a rental dwelling unit to provide proof of eviction or other evidence that a tenant has vacated the unit as a condition for providing or resuming public utility service to the unit if the service is placed and maintained solely in the owner's name.History:  1989 a. 40; 2017 a. 317.
WI Stat § 196.645 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.645 - Rate changes.

196.645  Rate changes. (1) The commission, upon complaint or upon its own motion, may proceed to investigate and determine whether a public utility's rates should be changed by reason of a change in the cost of an energy, commodity or service resulting from a change in charges for the energy, commodity or service if:(a) The rates of the public utility are based on the cost of the energy, commodity or service furnished to the public utility which the public utility furnishes or distributes to its consumers; and(b) The charges for the energy, commodity and service are regulated by an authority of the federal government and the federal authority has prescribed the change in charges. (2) The commission may make a change in rates under sub. (1) effective as of the effective date of the order of the federal authority prescribing the change in charges. (3) Notwithstanding ss. 196.60 (3) and 196.604, the commission may determine and require payment by the public utility to its consumers of any sums which the public utility received from the consumers subsequent to the effective date of its order under this section and which are in excess of the rates prescribed by the commission under this section.History:  1983 a. 53.This section does not authorize the use of an excessive earnings test to determine whether a refund received by a utility when its wholesaler's rate was lowered is to be distributed or retained. Algoma, Eagle River, New Holstein, Stratford, Sturgeon Bay & Two Rivers v. PSC, 91 Wis. 2d 252, 283 N.W.2d 261 (Ct. App. 1978).
WI Stat § 196.66 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.66 - General forfeiture provisions.

196.66  General forfeiture provisions. (1) General forfeiture; failure to obey. If any public utility violates this chapter or ch. 197 or fails or refuses to perform any duty enjoined upon it for which a penalty has not been provided, or fails, neglects or refuses to obey any lawful requirement or order of the commission or the governing body of a municipality or a sanitary commission or any judgment or decree of any court upon its application, for every violation, failure or refusal the public utility shall forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $5,000. (2)  Each day separate offense. Every day during which any public utility or any officer, agent, as defined in sub. (3) (a), or employee of a public utility fails to comply with any order or direction of the commission or to perform any duty enjoined by this chapter or ch. 197 shall constitute a separate and distinct violation under sub. (1). If the order is suspended, stayed or enjoined, this penalty shall not accrue. (3)  Considerations in setting forfeitures.  (a) In this subsection, “agent" means an authorized person who acts on behalf of or at the direction of a public utility. “Agent" does not include a director, officer or employee of a public utility.(b) A court imposing a forfeiture on a public utility or an agent, director, officer or employee of a public utility under this chapter shall consider all of the following in determining the amount of the forfeiture:1. The appropriateness of the forfeiture to the volume of business of the public utility.2. The gravity of the violation.3. Any good faith attempt to achieve compliance after the public utility, agent, director, officer or employee receives notice of the violation. (4)  Treble maximum forfeitures. (a) If an act or omission causes death or a life-threatening or seriously debilitating injury, and is subject to a forfeiture proceeding under this chapter, the maximum forfeiture that may be imposed shall be trebled.(b) If a public utility fails to comply with any rule, order or direction of the commission after actual receipt by the public utility of written notice from the commission specifying the failure, the maximum forfeiture under sub. (1) shall be $15,000.History:  1981 c. 390; 1983 a. 53; 1989 a. 49.
WI Stat § 196.665 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.665 - Unlawful combinations, trusts.

196.665  Unlawful combinations, trusts. (1) The state may take possession of any dam maintained under a permit granted under s. 31.06 or 31.08 by proceedings instituted by the commission if the dam:(a) Is owned, leased, trusteed, possessed or controlled in any manner that makes it form a part of or in any way effect an unlawful combination.(b) Is controlled by any combination in the form of an unlawful trust.(c) Forms the subject of any contract or conspiracy to limit the output of any hydraulic or hydroelectric power derived from the dam. (2) In proceedings under this section, the members of the commission shall be appointed to act as receivers during a period of time to be determined by the court.History:  1983 a. 53.
WI Stat § 196.67 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.67 - Warning signs.

196.67  Warning signs. (1) Any person constructing, operating or maintaining an overhead electrical supply line with a voltage of 6,000 or more between conductors or between conductors and the ground shall place warning signs from 4 to 6 feet above the ground, upon all poles or other structures supporting the line. (1m) If it determines that it is necessary for public safety, the commission, by order or rule, may apply sub. (1) to any person constructing, operating or maintaining an overhead electrical supply line with a voltage of 2,000 or more. (2) The commission shall establish standards for warning signs on overhead electrical supply line poles and structures. (3) A public utility or an agent, as defined in s. 196.66 (3) (a), violating this section shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $5,000 for each offense. A director or officer of a public utility violating this section shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $2,500 for each offense. An employee of a public utility violating this section shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 for each offense.History:  1979 c. 171; 1983 a. 53, 238; 1989 a. 49; 1993 a. 246.
WI Stat § 196.675 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.675 - Unlawful for carriers and public utilities to employ assistant district attorneys or judicial officers.

196.675  Unlawful for carriers and public utilities to employ assistant district attorneys or judicial officers. (1) No common carrier operating within this state and no public utility, except a municipal public utility, may retain or employ an assistant district attorney or any person holding a judicial office. (2) If any assistant district attorney or any person holding a judicial office violates this section, the assistant district attorney's or judge's office shall be deemed vacant. (3) This section does not apply to circuit or supplemental court commissioners.History:  1977 c. 236; 1983 a. 53; 1987 a. 104; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 39; 2001 a. 61.
WI Stat § 196.68 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.68 - Municipal officers, malfeasance.

196.68  Municipal officers, malfeasance. If any officer of a municipality which owns or operates a public utility does, causes or permits to be done any matter, act or thing prohibited or declared to be unlawful under this chapter or ch. 197 or omits, fails, neglects or refuses to perform any duty which is enjoined upon him or her and which relates directly or indirectly to the enforcement of this chapter and ch. 197, or if the officer omits, fails, neglects or refuses to obey any lawful requirement or order of the commission or any judgment or decree of a court upon its application, for every such violation, failure or refusal the officer shall forfeit not less than $50 nor more than $2,500.History:  1981 c. 390; 1983 a. 53; 1989 a. 49.
WI Stat § 196.69 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.69 - Interference with commission's equipment.

196.69  Interference with commission's equipment. (1) If any person destroys, injures or interferes with any apparatus or appliance owned, in the charge of or operated by the commission or its agent, the person shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both if the person is a public utility or an agent, as defined in s. 196.66 (3) (a), fined not more than $2,500 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both if the person is a director or officer of a public utility, or fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both if the person is an employee of a public utility. (2) Any public utility permitting a violation of this section shall forfeit not more than $5,000 for each offense.History:  1983 a. 53; 1989 a. 49.
WI Stat § 196.70 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.70 - Temporary alteration or suspension of rates.

196.70  Temporary alteration or suspension of rates. (1) The commission, when it deems necessary to prevent injury to the business or interests of the people or any public utility in case of any emergency to be judged of by the commission, may by order temporarily alter, amend, or with the consent of the public utility concerned, suspend any existing rates, schedules and order relating to or affecting any public utility or part of any public utility. (2) The commission may direct an order under sub. (1) to part of a public utility or to one or more public utilities and may prescribe when the order takes effect and for how long the order shall be in effect.History:  1983 a. 53.Temporary and emergency rates may be appropriately and widely used by the public service commission when justified by the circumstances. Friends of the Earth v. PSC, 78 Wis. 2d 388, 254 N.W.2d 299 (1977).
WI Stat § 196.71 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.71 - Municipal public utility contracts.

196.71  Municipal public utility contracts. If a municipality owns a public utility and if there is no other public utility furnishing the same service, the commission, after a public hearing and determination that the municipally owned public utility cannot be operated profitably, may authorize a contract between the municipality and any person not a public utility to furnish light, power or electric current to the municipality upon terms and conditions approved by the commission. The person contracting with the municipality is not a public utility solely due to the contract with the municipality.History:  1983 a. 53.
WI Stat § 196.72 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.72 - Accidents; public utility report; investigation.

196.72  Accidents; public utility report; investigation. (1) (a) The commission may issue orders or rules, after hearing, requiring public utilities to record or report accidents which occur upon the public utilities' premises or which arise directly or indirectly from, or are connected with, the public utilities' maintenance or operation.(b) Notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, any report filed with the commission under par. (a) shall be without prejudice to the person making the report and shall be for the sole information and use of the commission and its staff. Neither the report nor its content may be made available to any other person. The report may not be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of the event concerning which the report is submitted. (2) The commission shall investigate any accident under sub. (1) if the commission deems that the public interest requires it. The commission shall hold the investigation in the locality of the accident, unless it is more convenient to hold it at some other place. The commission may adjourn the investigation from place to place. The commission shall give the public utility reasonable notice of the time and place of the investigation.History:  1983 a. 53; 1985 a. 297.
WI Stat § 196.74 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.74 - Electric lines; safety and interference.

196.74  Electric lines; safety and interference. Each public utility and railroad which owns, operates, manages or controls along or across any public or private way any wires over which electricity or messages are transmitted shall construct, operate and maintain the wires and any related equipment in a manner which is reasonably adequate and safe and which does not unreasonably interfere with the service furnished by any other public utility or railroad. The commission may issue orders or rules, after hearing, requiring electric construction and operating of such wires and equipment to be safe. The commission may revise the orders or rules as may be required to promote public safety. If any interested party files a complaint with the commission indicating that public safety or adequate service requires changes in construction, location or methods of operation, the commission shall give notice to the parties in interest of the filing of the complaint. The commission shall proceed to investigate the complaint and shall order a hearing on it. After the hearing the commission shall order any change in construction or location or change of methods of operation required for public safety or to avoid service interference. The commission shall indicate in the order by whom the change shall be made. The commission shall fix the proportion of the cost and expense of the change, which shall be paid by the parties in interest. The commission shall fix reasonable terms and conditions related to the payment of the cost and expense.History:  1983 a. 53.
WI Stat § 196.76 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.76 - Other rights of action; penalties cumulative.

196.76  Other rights of action; penalties cumulative. This chapter and ch. 197 shall not have the effect of releasing or waiving any right of action by the state or by any person for any right, penalty or forfeiture which arises under any law of this state. All penalties and forfeitures accruing under this chapter and ch. 197 shall be cumulative. A suit for recovery of one penalty or forfeiture may not bar the recovery of any other penalty.History:  1981 c. 390; 1983 a. 53.
WI Stat § 196.78 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.78 - Voluntary dissolution.

196.78  Voluntary dissolution. No corporation or limited liability company owning or operating a public utility may be dissolved unless the commission consents. The commission may consent only after hearing. The commission shall give at least 30 days' notice to each municipality in which the public utility is operated and an opportunity to be heard to each municipality and to the stockholders in the corporation or members of a limited liability company.History:  1983 a. 53; 1993 a. 112.
WI Stat § 196.79 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.79 - Reorganization subject to commission approval.

196.79  Reorganization subject to commission approval. The reorganization of any public utility shall be subject to the supervision and control of the commission. No reorganization may take effect without the written approval of the commission. The commission may not approve any plan of reorganization unless the applicant for approval establishes that the plan of reorganization is consistent with the public interest.History:  1977 c. 29; 1983 a. 53; 1993 a. 496; 2011 a. 22.
WI Stat § 196.80 (2021)
2021 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations|Chapter 196 - Regulation of public utilities.|196.80 - Consolidation or merger of utilities.

196.80  Consolidation or merger of utilities. (1g) In this section, “public utility" does not include a telecommunications utility. (1m) With the consent and approval of the commission but not otherwise a public utility may:(a) Merge or consolidate with one or more other public utilities.(b) Acquire the stock of any other public utility or any part thereof.(d) Consolidate or merge with any Wisconsin corporation if substantially all of the assets of the corporation consist of the entire stock of the public utility. The total of the resulting securities outstanding of the possessor corporation which have not been authorized previously under ch. 201 shall require authorization under ch. 201 as a condition precedent to the merger or consolidation. (e) Sell, acquire, lease or rent any public utility plant or property constituting an operating unit or system. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or limit the operation of ss. 197.01 to 197.10 or of ss. 62.69, 66.0621 and 66.0801 to 66.0827. (3) The interested public utility shall make an application for the approval and consent of the commission under this section. The application shall contain a concise statement of the proposed action, the reasons for the action and any other information required by the commission. If an application is filed, the commission shall investigate the application. The investigation may be with or without public hearing. If the commission conducts a public hearing, the hearing shall be upon such notice as the commission may require. If the commission finds that the proposed action is consistent with the public interest, it shall give its consent and approval in writing. In reaching its determination the commission shall take into consideration the reasonable value of the property and assets of the corporation to be acquired or merged. (5) Any transaction required under this section to be submitted to the commission for its consent and approval shall be void unless the commission gives its consent and approval to the transaction in writing. (6) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit any authority conferred by statute upon the commission before June 27, 1935.History:  1977 c. 29; 1983 a. 53; 1993 a. 496; 1997 a. 140; 1999 a. 150 ss. 647, 672.