reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1302 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1302. Complaints

 §1302. Complaints 1.  Filing a complaint.  When a written complaint is made against a public utility by 10 persons aggrieved that the rates, tolls, charges, schedules or joint rate or rates of a public utility are in any respect unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory; that a regulation, measurement, practice or act of a public utility is in any respect unreasonable, insufficient or unjustly discriminatory; or that a service is inadequate or cannot be obtained, the commission, being satisfied that the petitioners are responsible, shall, with or without notice, investigate the complaint.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 2.  Processing of complaint.  The commission, immediately upon the filing of a complaint, shall notify in writing the public utility complained of that a complaint has been made and of the nature of the complaint. The utility shall file its response to the complaint within 10 days of the date the notice of complaint is issued. After receipt of the response, if the commission is satisfied that the utility has taken adequate steps to remove the cause of the complaint or that the complaint is without merit, the complaint may be dismissed. If the complaint is not dismissed, the commission shall promptly set a date for a public hearing. The commission may allow for all parties to attempt to resolve the complaint to their mutual satisfaction. If a mutually satisfactory resolution does not appear to be forthcoming, the hearing shall be held on the complaint pursuant to section 1304. The commission may not enter an order affecting the rates, tolls, charges, schedules, regulations, measurements, practices or acts complained of without an opportunity for public hearing. In the absence of an informal disposition pursuant to Title 5, section 9053, the commission shall render a decision upon the complaint no later than 9 months after its filing.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 3.  Complaint by utility or commission.  The commission may institute or any public utility may make complaint as to any matter affecting its own product, service or charges. The complaint shall be processed in accordance with subsection 2.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1303 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1303. Investigations

 §1303. Investigations 1.  Summary investigations.  The commission may on its own motion, with or without notice, summarily investigate when it believes that:   A. A rate or charge is unjust or unreasonable;   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]B. A service is inadequate or cannot be obtained; or   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]C. An investigation of any matter relating to a public utility should for any reason be made.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).][PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 2.  Formal investigation.  If after the summary investigation, the commission is satisfied that sufficient grounds exist to warrant a formal public hearing as to the matters investigated, it shall give the interested public utility written notice of the matter under investigation. Seven days after the commission has given notice, it may set a time and place for a public hearing. The hearing shall be held in accordance with section 1304.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1306 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1306. Decision

 §1306. Decision The following provisions apply to the commission's findings and decisions.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]1.  Unjust rates.  If after a formal public hearing the commission finds that the rates, tolls, charges, schedules or joint rates are unjust, unreasonable, insufficient or unjustly discriminatory or otherwise in violation of this Title, it may fix and order substituted just or reasonable rate or rates, tolls, charges or schedules. In determining the justness and reasonableness of the order, the commission shall assure rate design stability.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 2.  Unjust term, condition, practice, act or service.  If after a public hearing the commission finds that a term, condition, practice, act or service complained of is unjust, unreasonable, insufficient, unjustly discriminatory or otherwise in violation of this Title or if it finds that a service is inadequate or that reasonable service cannot be obtained, the commission may by order establish or change terms, conditions, measurement, practice, service or acts, as it finds to be just and reasonable. In determining the justness and reasonableness of the order, the commission shall assure rate design stability.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 3.  Conformity to decision.  Every public utility to which the order applies shall change its schedules on file to conform to the order.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 4.  Copies.  Copies of the commission's order shall be:   A. Certified by the administrative director; and   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]B. Delivered to the public utility affected by it.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).][PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 5.  Effective date.  The order shall take effect:   A. After a copy is delivered to the public utility affected; and   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]B. When signed by the administrative director or within such other time as may be prescribed by the commission.   [PL 1987, c. 490, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).][PL 1987, c. 490, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 490, §A3 (AMD).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1307 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1307. Enforcement of decisions

 §1307. Enforcement of decisions Upon application of the commission or of the Attorney General, the Superior Court has full jurisdiction to enforce the commission's order and to enforce the public utilities' performance of the duties imposed on them by law, including the appointment of receivers, agents and special masters and providing them with adequate authority to carry the order of the courts and of the commission into effect.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1308 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1308. Reparation or adjustment

 §1308. Reparation or adjustment The commission may order reparation or adjustment when it finds that an amount charged to or collected from a customer was not in accordance with the filed rate applicable to the customer or was based upon error. The customer shall attempt to settle any dispute concerning the alleged overcharge or billing error at an informal hearing with the utility company prior to filing a complaint with the commission. If the customer is dissatisfied with the utility company's decision, the customer may appeal the decision to the commission. The commission may not order a rebate for a billing error or excessive charge that antedates the order for more than 6 years.   [RR 2009, c. 2, §101 (COR).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). RR 2009, c. 2, §101 (COR).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1310 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1310. Funding of intervenors by the commission

 §1310. Funding of intervenors by the commission 1.  Intervenor funding.  Intervenor funding may be provided as follows.   A. In any commission proceeding in which standards under the United States Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, United States Code, Title 16, Section 2601, et seq., are implemented, the commission may order the utility to compensate the intervenor for reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees and other reasonable costs incurred in preparation and advocacy of the intervenor's position whenever the commission finds that:   (1) The position of the intervenor is not adequately represented by the Office of the Public Advocate or the Public Utilities Commission staff;   (2) The intervenor substantially contributed to the approval, in whole or in part, of a position advocated by the intervenor in the commission proceeding, except that, if no commission advocacy staff is appointed to a proceeding, the intervenor must be likely to contribute substantially to the conduct of the commission proceeding and to assist in the resolution of the issues raised in the proceeding; and   (3) Participation in the proceeding by the intervenor would impose a significant financial hardship on the intervenor.   [PL 1997, c. 691, §4 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 691, §10 (AFF).]B. In any proceeding in which the commission does not implement standards under the United States Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, United States Code, Title 16, Section 2601, et seq., the commission may compensate the intervenor for reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees and other reasonable costs incurred in preparation and advocacy of the intervenor's position whenever the commission finds that requirements of paragraph A, subparagraphs (1) to (3), are satisfied. Compensation may be provided from the commission's regulatory fund and filing fees subject to the commission's determination of the availability of the funds.   [PL 1989, c. 281 (NEW).][PL 1997, c. 691, §4 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 691, §10 (AFF).] 2.  Determination of eligibility.  A determination that an intervenor is eligible for an award of compensation pending the outcome of the proceeding shall be made by the commission at the earliest practicable time in the commission proceeding.   [PL 1989, c. 281 (NEW).] 3.  Rules.  The commission may, after notice and hearing, adopt rules as are necessary for the implementation of this section.   [PL 1989, c. 281 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 281 (RPR). PL 1997, c. 691, §4 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 127, §D5 (AFF).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1311 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1311. Practice and rules of evidence; process service

 §1311. Practice and rules of evidence; process service 1.  Practice and rules of evidence.  In all actions and proceedings arising under this Title, all processes must be served and the practice and rules of evidence are the same as in civil actions in the Superior Court except as otherwise provided.   [PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (NEW).] 2.  Hearsay.  A statement not specifically covered by the hearsay exceptions in the rules of evidence but having equivalent circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness may not be excluded by the hearsay rules, if the presiding officer determines that:   A. The statement is offered as evidence of a material fact and does not constitute unduly repetitious evidence;   [PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (NEW).]B. The statement is the kind of evidence upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs; and   [PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (NEW).]C. The general purposes of the rules of evidence and the interests of justice are best served by admission of the statement into evidence.   [PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (NEW).][PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (NEW).] 3.  Process service.  A sheriff or other officer empowered to execute civil process may execute a process issued under this Title and is entitled to receive the compensation prescribed by law for that service.   [PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 108, §2 (RPR).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1312 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1312. Witnesses and fees

 §1312. Witnesses and fees 1.  Witnesses.  Each witness who is ordered to appear before the commission receives for that witness's attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases in the Superior Court. This provision does not apply to the employees, officers, directors, trustees and holders of more than 10% of the common stock of a public utility that is the subject of the commission's proceeding.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §398 (COR).] 2.  Fees.  The State shall audit and pay the fees in the same manner as other state expenses are audited and paid upon the presentation of proper vouchers approved by the commission.   [PL 1987, c. 490, Pt. C, §5 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 490, §C5 (AMD). RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §398 (COR).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1313 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1313. Depositions

 §1313. Depositions The following provisions apply to depositions.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]1.  Taking depositions.  Depositions shall be taken in the manner prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions in the Superior Court.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 2.  Use of depositions.  The commission or any party may use the deposition of witnesses in a formal public hearing.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1314 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1314. Burden of proof

 §1314. Burden of proof 1.  Party adverse to the commission.  In all trials, actions and proceedings arising under this Title or growing out of the exercise of the authority granted to the commission, the burden of proof is on the party adverse to the commission or seeking to set aside any determination, requirement, direction or order of the commission complained of as unreasonable, unjust or unlawful.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 2.  Public utilities.  In all original proceedings before the commission where an increase in rates, tolls, charges, schedules or joint rate is complained of, the burden of proof is on the public utility to show that the increase is just and reasonable.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1315 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1315. Self-incrimination; immunity

 §1315. Self-incrimination; immunity 1.  Self-incrimination.  In any proceeding before the commission, if a person refuses to answer questions or produce evidence on the ground that that person may be incriminated and if the commission staff, in writing, and with the written approval of the Attorney General, requests the commission to order that person to answer the questions or produce the evidence, the commission, after notice to the witness and a hearing, shall so order unless it finds to do so would be clearly contrary to the public interest.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §399 (COR).] 2.  Immunity.  If, but for this section, the person would have had the right to withhold the answers given or the evidence produced by that person, that person may not be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction or matter that concerns the answers that person gave or the evidence that person produced in accordance with the order.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §399 (COR).] 3.  Failure to comply.  If a person fails to answer questions or produce evidence as ordered by the commission, following notice and hearing, that person is subject to the provisions of section 1502. A person may be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for any perjury, false swearing or contempt that that person commits in answering or failing to answer or in producing or failing to produce evidence in accordance with the order.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §399 (COR).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §399 (COR).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1316-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1316-A. Information related to violation of state law; confidentiality

 §1316-A. Information related to violation of state law; confidentiality Subject to the requirements of Title 5, section 9055 regarding ex parte communications but notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission may declare and treat as confidential communications from any person concerning the affairs of a utility that are reasonably related to a violation of state laws.   [PL 1993, c. 165, §2 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1993, c. 165, §2 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1317 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1317. Appearance by officer or employee of corporation or partnership

 §1317. Appearance by officer or employee of corporation or partnership Notwithstanding Title 4, section 807, the appearance of an authorized officer, employee or representative of a party in any hearing, action or proceeding before the commission in which the party is participating or desires to participate is not an unauthorized practice of law and is not subject to any criminal sanction. In order to facilitate the efficient processing of any proceeding, the commission may, in its discretion, require the appearance of counsel on behalf of the party.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1318 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1318. Record of proceedings

 §1318. Record of proceedings 1.  Record.  The commission shall keep a complete and permanent record of:   A. All proceedings before it;   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]B. Investigations;   [PL 2019, c. 26, §2 (AMD).]C. Formal public hearings; and   [PL 2019, c. 26, §2 (AMD).]D. Complaints.   [PL 2019, c. 26, §2 (NEW).]The record must include the results and conclusions of proceedings, investigations, formal public hearings and complaints, including, but not limited to, orders, findings, decisions and settlement agreements.   [PL 2019, c. 26, §2 (AMD).] 2.  Hearings reporter.  The commission shall appoint, subject to the Civil Service Law, hearings reporters who shall take all testimony before the commission.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 2019, c. 26, §2 (AMD).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1319 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1319. Certified copies of orders furnished

 §1319. Certified copies of orders furnished The commission shall furnish a certified copy under the commission's seal of its orders to any person who applies and pays for it as provided in the commission's rules. A certified copy of an order is evidence of the facts stated in it.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1321 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1321. Orders altered or amended

 §1321. Orders altered or amended The commission may at any time rescind, alter or amend any order it has made including an order fixing any rate or rates, tolls, charges or schedules of a public utility or an order relating to matters within the jurisdiction of the commission with respect to a competitive service provider only if it gives the public utility or competitive service provider and all parties to the original proceeding, to the extent practical, written notice and after opportunity for those parties to present evidence or argument, as determined appropriate by the commission. Certified copies of amended orders must be served and take effect as provided for original orders. Nothing in this section is intended to grant to the commission authority to establish or approve the rates charged by competitive service providers.   [PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §22 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §§104, 105 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 226, §4 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 398, §A22 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 398, §§A104,105 (AFF).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1322 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1322. Orders temporarily suspended, altered or amended

 §1322. Orders temporarily suspended, altered or amended 1.  Orders temporarily amended.  When the commission finds it necessary to prevent injury to a public utility's business or to the interest of the people, or if the commission finds there is an emergency, it may temporarily alter, amend or, with the public utility's consent, suspend existing rates, schedules or orders affecting the public utility. When the commission finds it necessary to prevent injury to a competitive service provider's business or to the interest of the people, or if the commission finds there is an emergency, it may temporarily alter, amend or, with the competitive service provider's consent, suspend existing orders affecting the competitive service provider.   [PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §23 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §§104, 105 (AFF).] 2.  Rates.  Rates made under this section:   A. Apply to one or more of the public utilities in the State or to any part of them as the commission directs; and   [PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §23 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §§104, 105 (AFF).]B. Take effect and remain in force as the commission prescribes.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).][PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §23 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §§104, 105 (AFF).] 3.  Limitation of authority.  Nothing in this section is intended to grant the commission authority to establish or approve the rates charged by competitive service providers.   [PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §23 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 398, Pt. A, §§104, 105 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 398, §A23 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 398, §§A104,105 (AFF).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1323 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 13: PROCEDURE|35-A §1323. Exhausting rights before commission; application to Legislature

 §1323. Exhausting rights before commission; application to Legislature No public utility may apply to the Legislature to grant it a right, privilege or immunity which the commission has power to grant it until the utility has exhausted its rights regarding its request before the commission.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]In applying to the Legislature, the utility shall state in writing that it has applied to the commission for the right, privilege or immunity requested and that the commission has denied its application.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
35-A ME Rev Stat § 1501 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 35-A: PUBLIC UTILITIES|Part 1: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION|Chapter 15: SANCTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES|35-A §1501. Utility liable for civil damages

 §1501. Utility liable for civil damages If a public utility violates this Title, causes or permits a violation of this Title or omits to do anything that this Title requires it to do it may be liable in damages to the person injured as a result. Recovery under this section does not affect a recovery by the State of the penalty prescribed for the violation.   [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).