reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 6 - Orders and Court Proceedings › § 34–611. Commission to furnish certified copies of orders

§ 34–611. Commission to furnish certified copies of orders.
Upon application of any person the Commission shall furnish certified copies, under the seal of the Commission, of any order made by it, which shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 990, ch. 150, § 8, par. 71.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-912.
1973 Ed., § 43-713.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–701. False statements in securing approval for stock issue

§ 34–701. False statements in securing approval for stock issue.
Each and every director, president, secretary, or other official of any such public utility who shall make any false statement to secure the issue of any stock, certificate of stock, bond, mortgage, or other evidence of indebtedness, or who shall, by false statement knowingly made, procure of the Commission the making of the certificate herein provided, or issue, with knowledge of such fraud, negotiate, or cause to be negotiated, any such stock, certificate of stock, bond, mortgage, or other evidence of indebtedness in violation of this subtitle, shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 or by imprisonment for a term of not less than 1 year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 991, ch. 150, § 8, par. 80.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-301.
1973 Ed., § 43-901.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–702. Demanding or receiving greater or less than established rates

§ 34–702. Demanding or receiving greater or less than established rates.
If any public utility or any agent or officer thereof shall, directly or indirectly, by any device whatsoever, or otherwise, charge, demand, collect, or receive from any person, firm, or corporation a greater or less compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered by it in or affecting or relating to the conduct of a street railroad or street railroad corporation, common carrier, gas plant, gas company, electric plant, electric company, telephone line, telephone corporation, telegraph line, or telegraph corporation, or pipeline company, or to the production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of heat, light, water, or power, or the conveyance of telephone or telegraph messages, or for any service in connection therewith than that prescribed in the public schedules or tariffs then in force or established as provided herein, or than it charges, demands, collects, or receives from any other person, firm, or corporation other than one conducting a like business for a like and contemporaneous service, such public utility shall be deemed guilty of unjust discrimination, which is hereby prohibited and declared to be a misdemeanor and unlawful, and upon conviction thereof shall forfeit and pay to the District of Columbia not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 for each offense; and such agent or officer so offending shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $100 for each offense.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 991, ch. 150, § 8, par. 81; May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 201(c), 47 DCR 1091; Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 17(d), 51 DCR 10549.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-302.
1973 Ed., § 43-902.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-107 in lieu of the phrase “electric corporation, water power company,” substituted “electric company”.
D.C. Law 15-227 substituted “gas company” for “gas corporation”.
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) amendment of section, see § 7(d) of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Temporary Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14-13, July 10, 2001, law notification 48 DCR 6589).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–703. Reduced rates for consumer furnishing facilities prohibited

§ 34–703. Reduced rates for consumer furnishing facilities prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any public utility to demand, charge, collect, or receive from any person, firm, or corporation less compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered by said public utility in consideration of the furnishing by said person, firm, or corporation of any part of the facilities incident thereto; provided, that nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any public utility from renting any facilities incident to the production, transmission, delivery or furnishing of heat, light, water, or power, or the supply of any liquid, steam, or air, through pipes or tubing, or the conveyance of telegraph or telephone messages, and paying a reasonable rental therefor; or as requiring any public utility to furnish any part of such appliances which are situated in and upon the premises of any consumer or user, except telephone station equipment upon the subscriber’s premises, and, unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, meters, and appliances for measurements of any product or service.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 991, ch. 150, § 8, par. 82.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-303.
1973 Ed., § 43-903.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–704. Rebates

§ 34–704. Rebates.
It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit, accept, or receive any rebate, concession, or discrimination in respect to any service in or affecting or relating to any public utility or the production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of heat, light, water, or power, or any liquid, steam, or air, or the conveying of telegraph or telephone messages within the District of Columbia by a public utility, or for any service in connection therewith whereby any such service shall, by any device whatsoever or otherwise, be rendered free or at a less rate than that named in the schedules and tariffs in force as provided in this subtitle, or whereby any service or advantage is received other than is in this subtitle specified. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 for each offense.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 991, ch. 150, § 8, par. 83; May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 201(d), 47 DCR 1091.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-304.
1973 Ed., § 43-904.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-107 deleted “firm, or corporation” following “person” in the first and second sentence, deleted in the first sentence “District of Columbia” preceding “, or for any service”, and inserted in its place “District of Columbia by a public utility”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–705. Failure or refusal to furnish information; furnishing false information; failure to keep proper accounts

§ 34–705. Failure or refusal to furnish information; furnishing false information; failure to keep proper accounts.
Any officer, agent, or employee of any public utility who shall fail or refuse to fill out and return any blanks, as required by this subtitle, or shall fail or refuse to answer any question therein propounded, or shall knowingly or wilfully give a false answer to any such question, or shall evade the answer to any such question where the fact inquired of is within his knowledge, or who shall, upon proper demand, fail or refuse to exhibit to the Commission or any commissioner or any person authorized to examine the same, any book, paper, account, record, or memoranda of such public utility which is in his possession or under his control, or who shall fail to properly use and keep his system of accounting, or any part thereof, as prescribed by the Commission under this subtitle, or who shall refuse to do any act or thing in connection with such system of accounting when so directed by the Commission or its authorized representative shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 for each offense, and a penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000 shall, on conviction, be imposed on the public utility for each such offense when such officer, agent, or employee acted in obedience to the direction, instruction, or request of such public utility or any general officer thereof.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 992, ch. 150, § 8, par. 84.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-305.
1973 Ed., § 43-905.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–707. Destruction of apparatus or appliance of Commission

§ 34–707. Destruction of apparatus or appliance of Commission.
Any person who shall destroy, injure, or interfere with any apparatus or appliance owned or operated by or in charge of the Commission or its agent shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 30 days, or both.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 992, ch. 150, § 8, par. 86.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-309.
1973 Ed., § 43-909.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–708. Each day’s default to constitute separate and distinct offense

§ 34–708. Each day’s default to constitute separate and distinct offense.
Every day during which any public utility, or any officer, agent, or employee thereof, shall fail knowingly or willfully to observe and comply with any order or direction of the Commission, or to perform any duty enjoined by this section, shall constitute a separate and distinct violation of such order, or direction, or of this subtitle, as the case may be.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 992, ch. 150, § 8, par. 87.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-310.
1973 Ed., § 43-910.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-1552.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–709. Commission authorized to regulate rates

§ 34–709. Commission authorized to regulate rates.
Whenever, after hearing and investigation as provided in this subtitle, the Commission shall find that any rate, toll, charge, regulation, or practice of any public utility within the District of Columbia is unreasonable or discriminatory, it shall have the power to regulate, fix, and determine the same as provided in this subtitle.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 992, ch. 150, § 8, par. 88.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-311.
1973 Ed., § 43-911.
Cross References
Commission rate schedules, amendments, see § 34-602.
Rate investigations, see §§ 34-908 et seq.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–710. Fines, penalties and forfeitures to be paid into Treasury

§ 34–710. Fines, penalties and forfeitures to be paid into Treasury.
All moneys received from fines, forfeitures, and penalties shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the General Fund of the District of Columbia.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 996, ch. 150, § 8, par. 98; Feb. 22, 1921, 41 Stat. 1144, ch. 70, § 7; June 28, 1944, 58 Stat. 533, ch. 300, § 18.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-312.
1973 Ed., § 43-912.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter I - General › § 34–711. Rights, penalties and forfeitures not released; penalties and forfeitures cumulative

§ 34–711. Rights, penalties and forfeitures not released; penalties and forfeitures cumulative.
This subtitle shall not have the effect to release or waive any right of action by the United States, or by the District of Columbia, or by any person, for any right, penalty, or forfeiture under any law of the United States or any regulation in force in the District of Columbia; and all penalties and forfeitures accruing under said chapters shall be cumulative, and a suit for any recovery of one shall not be a bar to the recovery of any other penalty.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 994, ch. 150, § 8, par. 93.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-313.
1973 Ed., § 43-913.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter II - Prosecution for Violation of Public Service Commission Rules › § 34–731. Prosecution for violation of rules

§ 34–731. Prosecution for violation of rules.
Prosecution for violation of any rule, order, or regulation issued, adopted, or approved by the Public Service Commission pursuant to this subtitle; § 50-2201.03(e), or Chapters 28 and 30 [repealed] of Title 47, shall be on information in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, in the name of the District of Columbia, by the Corporation Counsel or any of his or her assistants. Any person, corporation, or public utility violating any rule, order, or regulation shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $10,000. With respect to orders, rules, or regulations made or adopted by the Public Service Commission under authority of this subtitle, this section shall be construed to apply only to the orders, rules, or regulations subject to the penalties specifically provided in § 34-706.
(Apr. 5, 1939, 53 Stat. 569, ch. 40, § 1; Apr. 1, 1942, 56 Stat. 190, ch. 207,§ 1; July 8, 1963, 77 Stat. 77, Pub. L. 88-60, § 1; Aug. 30, 1964, 78 Stat. 634, Pub. L. 88-503, § 21; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 570, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 155(a); Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-153, § 4(a), 31 DCR 6440; Apr. 12, 2005, D.C. Law 15-342, § 302, 52 DCR 2346.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-307.
1973 Ed., § 43-907.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-732 and § 34-1552.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 15-342 substituted “$10,000” for “$300”.
Cross References
Motor vehicles and traffic, rules and regulations, authority, see § 50-2201.03.
Public Service Commission, creation, powers and duties, see § 34-802.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 302 of Omnibus Utility Emergency Amendment Act of 2005 (D.C. Act 16-12, January 28, 2005, 52 DCR 2945).
References in Text
Chapter 30 of Title 47, referred to in the first sentence, was repealed by D.C. Law 5-136, effective March 13, 1985.
Change in Government
This section originated at a time when local government powers were delegated to a Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia (see Acts Relating to the Establishment of the District of Columbia and its Various Forms of Governmental Organization in Volume 1). Section 401 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1967 (see Reorganization Plans in Volume 1) transferred all of the functions of the Board of Commissioners under this section to a single Commissioner. The District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, 87 Stat. 818, § 711 ( D.C. Code, § 1-207.11), abolished the District of Columbia Council and the Office of Commissioner of the District of Columbia. These branches of government were replaced by the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Mayor of the District of Columbia, respectively. Accordingly, and also pursuant to § 714(a) of such Act ( D.C. Code, § 1-207.14(a)), appropriate changes in terminology were made in this section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 7 - Penal Provisions › Subchapter II - Prosecution for Violation of Public Service Commission Rules › § 34–732. Construction of §§ 34-706 and 34-731

§ 34–732. Construction of §§ 34-706 and 34-731.
The provisions of §§ 34-706 and 34-731 relating to the orders, rules, and regulations of the Public Service Commission may be enforced either as provided in § 34-706 or § 34-731.
(Apr. 5, 1939, 53 Stat. 569, ch. 40, § 2; Aug. 30, 1964, 78 Stat. 634, Pub. L. 88-503, § 21; Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-153, § 4(b), 31 DCR 6440.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-308.
1973 Ed., § 43-908.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–802. Quorum; investigations; rules and regulations

§ 34–802. Quorum; investigations; rules and regulations.
A majority of the commissioners shall constitute a quorum to do business, and any vacancy shall not impair the right of the remaining commissioners to exercise all the powers of the Commission. Any investigation, inquiry, or hearing within the powers of the Commission may be made or held by any commissioner, whose acts and orders, when approved by the Commission, shall be deemed to be the order of the Commission. The Commission shall have power to adopt and publish rules and regulations for the administration of the provisions of this subtitle, including the conduct of its investigations, inquiries, hearings, and other proceedings.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 995, ch. 150, § 8, par. 97(b); Dec. 15, 1926, 44 Stat. 921, ch. 8, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-403.
1973 Ed., § 43-202.
Editor’s Note Section 2 of An Act to alter the personnel of the Public Utilities Commission of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, 44 Stat. 921 former § 43-404, 1981 Ed., provided that this section not be construed to invalidate certain acts of the prior Commission including those relating to orders or rules, complaints, inquiries or hearings, actions or proceedings.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-1314.02.
Cross References
Construction oversight and accounts, see § 34-1116.
Depreciation accounts, see § 34-1115.
Gas and electric meters, inspections, rules and regulations, see § 34-303.
Mayor, council and other officers, police power regulations, see § 1-303.03.
Measurement standards, rules and regulations, § 34-1120.
Public utility accidents, reporting and investigations, see § 34-401.
Rules and regulations, power of Commission to adopt, see § 34-902.
Street railways and bus lines, generally, see § 35-201 et seq.
Utility service, valuation and accounts, Commission oversight of individual rates and dividends, see § 34-1117.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–803. Office of the General Counsel

§ 34–803. Office of the General Counsel.
There is established within the Public Service Commission an Office of the General Counsel. The head of such Office shall be the General Counsel, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Commission may, upon the recommendation of the General Counsel and within the limits of appropriations therefor, employ and fix the compensation of such other employees, including attorneys, in accordance with the provisions of subchapters VIII and IX of Chapter 6 of Title 1, as may be necessary to assist the General Counsel in carrying out his duties under this section. The duty of the General Counsel shall be, and he is authorized, to represent and appear for the Commission in all actions and proceedings under this section, or under or in reference to any act, order, or proceeding of the Commission, and, if directed to do so by the Commission, to intervene, if possible, in any action or proceeding in which any such question is involved; to commence and prosecute all actions and proceedings directed or authorized by the Commission, and to expedite, in every way possible, final and just determination of all such actions and proceedings; to advise the Commission and each commissioner, when so requested, in regard to all matters in connection with the powers and duties of the Commission and of the members thereof, and generally to perform all duties and services as attorney and counsel which the Commission may reasonably require. The Commission may enforce its orders to any case by legal or equitable remedy in any court of competent jurisdiction, and it shall be the duty of the General Counsel to represent the Commission in every such proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall not be the duty of the General Counsel, nor is he authorized, to prosecute any criminal case for the imposition of any penalty or punishment provided for in this section.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 993, ch. 150, § 8, par. 91; Feb. 26, 1981, D.C. Law 3-124, § 2, 28 DCR 90.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-405.
1973 Ed., § 43-204.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–805. People’s Counsel — Appropriations

§ 34–805. People’s Counsel — Appropriations.
There are authorized to be appropriated, to carry out the purposes of §§ 34-804 and 34-912, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1980 and for each fiscal year thereafter.
(Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1977, Pub. L. 93-614, § 3; Oct. 20, 1979, D.C. Law 3-34, § 2, 26 DCR 1119.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-407.
1973 Ed., § 43-205a.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–807. Authority of Interstate Commerce Commission withdrawn; rules and regulations to remain in force; joint action in regulation of public-service company

§ 34–807. Authority of Interstate Commerce Commission withdrawn; rules and regulations to remain in force; joint action in regulation of public-service company.
(a) The authority vested by law in the Interstate Commerce Commission by virtue and under the Act of Congress, approved May 23, 1908, entitled “An Act authorizing certain extensions to be made in the lines of the Anacostia and Potomac River Railroad Company, the Washington Railway and Electric Company, the City and Suburban Railway of Washington, and the Capital Traction Company, in the District of Columbia and for other purposes” shall no longer be exercised by the Interstate Commerce Commission; provided, that the orders, rules, and regulations made by the Interstate Commerce Commission shall continue to be in force until changed, repealed, altered, or amended by the Commission created by this subtitle, which said Commission is hereby given power and jurisdiction to issue and, at its pleasure, to revoke all permits, or licenses, to carry this subtitle into effect, and its rules and regulations shall be valid and binding on all public-service corporations and on all persons.
(b) The Commission may act jointly or concurrently with any official board or commission of the United States or any state thereof in any proceeding relating to the regulation of any public utility. Any such action may be under an interstate compact or agreement, or under the concurrent power of the States to regulate interstate commerce, or as an agency of the federal government, or otherwise.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 995, ch. 150, § 8, par. 96; Aug. 11, 1971, 85 Stat. 320, Pub. L. 92-94, § 1(c); May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 201(e), 47 DCR 1091.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-409.
1973 Ed., § 43-207.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-107 substituted in subsec. (b) “public utility” for “public service company”.
References in Text
The Capital Transit Company succeeded to the powers and obligations of the Capital Traction Company and of the Washington Railway and Electric Company, referred to in subsection (a) of this section, pursuant to the Act of January 14, 1933, 47 Stat. 752.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–808. Orders for repairs; improvement in equipment, service

§ 34–808. Orders for repairs; improvement in equipment, service.
Whenever the Commission shall be of opinion, after hearing had upon its own motion or upon complaint, that repairs, improvements, or changes in any street railroad, gas plant, electric plant, telephone line, telegraph line, pipeline, waterpower plant, or the facilities of any common carrier ought reasonably to be made, or that any addition of service or equipment ought reasonably to be made thereto, or that the vehicles or cars of any street railroad or common carrier are unclean, insanitary, uncomfortable, inconvenient, or improperly equipped, operated, or maintained, or are in need of paint, or unsightly in appearance, or that any addition ought reasonably to be made thereto, in order to promote the comfort or convenience of the public or employees, or in order to secure adequate service or facilities, the Commission shall have power to make and serve an order directing that such repairs, improvements, changes, or additions to service or equipment be made within a reasonable time and in a manner to be specified therein, and every such public utility is hereby required and directed to obey every such order of the Commission.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 995, ch. 150, § 8, par. 96.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-410.
1973 Ed., § 43-208.
Cross References
Public utilities construction oversight and accounts, see § 34-1116.
Street railways and bus lines, generally, see § 35-201 et seq.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–808.01. Competitive energy supplier consumer awareness program

§ 34–808.01. Competitive energy supplier consumer awareness program.
(a) The Office of the People’s Counsel shall establish a program to increase the awareness of District residents of the availability of services offered by competitive energy providers and the means by which to procure such services.
(b) The Public Service Commission shall establish a program to increase the awareness of District residents of the availability of services offered by competitive energy providers and the means by which to procure such services.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 995, ch. 150, § 8, par. 97A; as added Aug. 16, 2008, D.C. Law 17-219, § 2026, 55 DCR 7598; Oct. 22, 2008, D.C. Law 17-250, § 401, 55 DCR 9225.)
Short Title
Short title: Section 2025 of D.C. Law 17-219 provided that subtitle K of title II of the act may be cited as the “Competitive Energy Supplier Consumer Awareness Amendment Act of 2008”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 8 - Public Service Commission; Members; Counsel; Employees › § 34–808.02. Supervision and regulation considerations

§ 34–808.02. Supervision and regulation considerations.
In supervising and regulating utility or energy companies, the Commission shall consider the public safety, the economy of the District, the conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of environmental quality, including effects on global climate change and the District's public climate commitments.
(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 150, § 8, par. 96A; as added Oct. 22, 2008, D.C. Law 17-250, § 401, 55 DCR 9225; redesignated as par. 97B, Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 45(a), 59 DCR 6190; Mar. 22, 2019, D.C. Law 22-257, § 103, 66 DCR 1344.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2012 amendment by D.C. Law 19-171 redesignated the Act of Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 150, § 8, par. 96A as the Act of Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 150, § 8, par. 97B.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 401 of Clean and Affordable Energy Emergency Act of 2008 (D.C. Act 17-508, September 25, 2008, 55 DCR 10856).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–902. Commission may adopt rules and regulations

§ 34–902. Commission may adopt rules and regulations.
(a) The Commission shall have power to adopt reasonable and proper rules and regulations relative to all inspections, tests, audits, and investigations, and to adopt and publish reasonable and proper rules to govern its proceedings and to regulate the mode and manner of all investigations and hearings of public utilities and other parties before it.
(b) The Commission shall publish rules and regulations for the administration of § 2-534(a)(15).
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 982, ch. 150, § 8, par. 32; Feb. 26, 2015, D.C. Law 20-160, § 3, 61 DCR 10735.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-602.
1973 Ed., § 43-402.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-1552.
Effect of Amendments
The 2015 amendment by D.C. Law 20-160 designated the existing provisions as (a); and added (b).
Cross References
Public Service Commission, creation, powers and duties, see § 34-802.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 3 of the Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Emergency Amendment Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-229, November 29, 2013, 60 DCR 16788, 20 DCSTAT 2630).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 3 of the Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-285, February 20, 2014, 61 DCR 1603).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 3 of the Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Second Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-459, Oct. 24, 2014, 61 DCR 11374, 20 STAT 4364).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 3 of the Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Third Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-580, Jan. 13, 2015, 62 DCR 1264, 21 STAT 730).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) amendment of this section, see § 3 of the Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Temporary Amendment Act of 2013 (D.C. Law 20-71, February 22, 2014, 61 DCR 27).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–903. Commission to keep informed of business conduct of utilities

§ 34–903. Commission to keep informed of business conduct of utilities.
The Commission shall keep itself informed as to the manner and method in which the business of all public utilities is conducted, and shall have the right to obtain from any public utility all necessary information to enable the Commission to perform its duties.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 982, ch. 150, § 8, par. 33.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-603.
1973 Ed., § 43-403.
Cross References
Utility records, requirements, see § 34-1109 et seq.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–904. Inspection of books and examination of officers of utilities

§ 34–904. Inspection of books and examination of officers of utilities.
The Commission or any commissioner or any person or persons employed by the Commission for that purpose shall, upon demand, have the right to inspect the books, accounts, papers, records, and memoranda of any public utility, and to examine, under oath, any officer, agent, or employee of such public utility in relation to its business and affairs. Any person other than one of said commissioners who shall make such demand shall produce his authority to make such inspection or examination.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 982, ch. 150, § 8, par. 34.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-604.
1973 Ed., § 43-404.
Cross References
Utility accounting system, audits and examinations by Commission, see § 34-1114.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–905. Production of records of utilities; attendance of witnesses; duties of United States Attorney and D.C. Attorney General

§ 34–905. Production of records of utilities; attendance of witnesses; duties of United States Attorney and D.C. Attorney General.
(a) The Commission may require, by order or subpoena, to be served upon any public utility in the same manner that a summons is served in a civil action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the production within the District of Columbia at such time and place as it may designate of any books, accounts, papers, or records kept by such public utility in any office or place without the District of Columbia, or verified copies in lieu thereof, if the Commission shall so order, in order that an examination thereof may be made by the Commission under its direction. Any public utility failing or refusing to comply with any order or subpoena shall for each day it shall so fail or refuse forfeit and pay to the District of Columbia the sum of $100, to be recovered in an action to be brought in the name of said District.
(b) Attendance of witnesses and the production of such documentary evidence may be required from any place in the United States. And in case of disobedience to a subpoena the Commission, or any party to a proceeding before the Commission may invoke the aid of any court of the United States or the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents under the provisions of this section. And the said Commission is hereby given power to call on any United States Attorney, the Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia or any counsel of the Commission to enforce the provisions of this subtitle in the proper courts of the United States, and on such call it shall be the duty of the said United States Attorney, Corporation Counsel, or any counsel of the Commission, upon request of said Commission, to enforce the provisions of this section, the cost and expenses incurred to be paid out of the appropriations for the expenses of the courts of the United States.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 982, ch. 150, § 8, par. 35; June 25, 1936, 49 Stat. 1921, ch. 804; June 25, 1948, 62 Stat. 909, 991, ch. 646, §§ 1, 32(b); May 24, 1949, 63 Stat. 107, ch. 139, § 127; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 572, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 155(c)(39)(B).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-605.
1973 Ed., § 43-405.
Cross References
Utility failure to disclose, fraud, fines and penalties, see § 34-705.
Utility records, requirements, see § 34-1109 et seq.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–906. Appointment of investigating agents; powers

§ 34–906. Appointment of investigating agents; powers.
For the purpose of making any investigation with regard to any public utility the Commission shall have power to appoint, by an order in writing, an agent, whose duties shall be prescribed in such order. In the discharge of his duties such agent shall have every power whatsoever of an inquisitorial nature granted in this subtitle to the Commission and shall have power to administer oaths and take depositions. The Commission may conduct any number of such investigations contemporaneously through different agents, and may delegate to such agent or agents the taking of all testimony bearing upon any investigation or hearing. The decision of the Commission shall be based upon its examination of all testimony and records. The recommendations made by such agents shall be advisory only, and shall not preclude the taking of further testimony, if the Commission so order, nor further investigation.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 982, ch. 150, § 8, par. 36.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-606.
1973 Ed., § 43-406.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-918.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–907. Utilities to furnish information required by Commission; maps, books, reports to be delivered on request

§ 34–907. Utilities to furnish information required by Commission; maps, books, reports to be delivered on request.
Every public utility shall furnish to the Commission all information required by it to carry into effect the provisions of this subtitle, and shall make specific answers to all specific questions submitted by the Commission. Any public utility receiving from the Commission any blanks with directions to fill the same shall cause the same to be properly filled out so as to answer, fully and correctly, each question therein propounded, and in case it is unable to answer any question it shall give a good and sufficient reason for such failure; and said answer shall be verified under oath by the president, secretary, superintendent, or general manager of such public utility, and returned to the Commission at its office within the period fixed by the Commission. Whenever required by the Commission, every public utility shall deliver to the Commission any or all maps, profiles, contracts, reports of engineers, and all documents, books, accounts, papers, and records, or copies of any or all of the same, with a complete inventory of all its property, in such form as the Commission may direct.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 983, ch. 150, § 8, par. 37.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-607.
1973 Ed., § 43-407.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–908. Investigation of unjust discriminatory rates, schedules, or services; no order to be entered without formal hearing

§ 34–908. Investigation of unjust discriminatory rates, schedules, or services; no order to be entered without formal hearing.
Upon its own initiative or upon reasonable complaint made against any public utility that any of the rates, tolls, charges, or schedules, or services, or time and conditions of payment, or any joint rate or rates, schedules, or services, are in any respect unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory, or that any time schedule, regulation, or act whatsoever affecting or relating to the conduct of any street railway or common carrier, or the production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of heat, light, water, or power, or any service in connection therewith, or the conveyance of any telegraph or telephone message, or any service in connection therewith, is in any respect unreasonable, insufficient, or unjustly discriminatory, or that any service is inadequate or cannot be obtained, the Commission may, in its discretion, proceed, with or without notice, to make such investigation as it may deem necessary or convenient of any public utility. But no order affecting said rates, tolls, charges, schedules, regulations, or act complained of shall be entered by the Commission without a formal hearing.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 983, ch. 150, § 8, par. 38; May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 201(f), 47 DCR 1091.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-608.
1973 Ed., § 43-408.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-107 inserted “of any public utility” following “convenient”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–910. Notice as to hearings; compulsory attendance of witnesses

§ 34–910. Notice as to hearings; compulsory attendance of witnesses.
The Commission shall give the public utility and the complainant, if any, 10 days notice of the time and place when and where such hearing and investigation will be held and such matters considered and determined. Both the public utility and complainant shall be entitled to be heard and shall have process to enforce the attendance of witnesses.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 983, ch. 150, § 8, par. 40.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-610.
1973 Ed., § 43-410.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-602, § 34-911, and § 34-916.
Cross References
Commission rate schedules, amendments, see § 34-602.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–911. Reasonable rates to be ordered; notice to affected utility

§ 34–911. Reasonable rates to be ordered; notice to affected utility.
If upon such investigation the rates, tolls, charges, schedules, or joint rates shall be found to be unjust, unreasonable, insufficient, or unjustly discriminatory, or to be preferential or otherwise in violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle, the Commission shall have power to determine and by order fix and order to be substituted therefor such rate or rates, tolls, charges, or schedules as shall be just and reasonable. If upon such investigation it shall be found that any regulation, time schedule, act, or service complained of is unjust, unreasonable, insufficient, preferential, unjustly discriminatory, or otherwise in violation of any of the provisions of this section, or if it be found that reasonable service is not supplied, the Commission shall have power to determine and substitute therefor such other regulations, time schedules, service, or acts and to make such orders respecting and such changes in such regulations, time schedules, service, or acts as shall be just and reasonable. And upon any investigation for the purpose of determining upon and requiring any reasonable extension or extensions of lines or of service that shall promise to be compensatory within a reasonable time, the Commission shall have power to fix, determine, and require every such extension or extensions to be made and the terms and conditions upon which the same shall be made; provided, that no hearing shall be had and no order shall be made respecting such extension or extensions, without notice to the public utility affected thereby, as provided in § 34-910.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 983, ch. 150, § 8, par. 41.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-611.
1973 Ed., § 43-411.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–913. Separate hearings on complaints; complaints not to be dismissed because of absence of direct damage

§ 34–913. Separate hearings on complaints; complaints not to be dismissed because of absence of direct damage.
The Commission may, in its discretion, when complaint is made of more than one rate or charge of any public utility, order separate hearings thereon, and may consider and determine the several matters complained of separately and at such times as it may prescribe. No complaint shall of necessity at any time be dismissed because of the absence of direct damage to the complainant.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 984, ch. 150, § 8, par. 43; May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 201(h), 47 DCR 1091.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-614.
1973 Ed., § 43-413.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-107 substituted “rate or charge of any public utility” for “rate or charge”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–914. Summary investigation

§ 34–914. Summary investigation.
Whenever the Commission shall believe that any rate or charge of any public utility may be unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory, or that any reasonable service is not supplied by a public utility, or that an investigation of any matter relating to any public utility should for any reason be made, it may, on its own motion, summarily investigate the same with or without notice.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 984, ch. 150, § 8, par. 44; May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 201(i), 47 DCR 1091.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-615.
1973 Ed., § 43-414.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-107 substituted “rate or charge of any public utility” for “rate or charge”, and substituted “supplied by a public utility” for “supplied”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–915. Hearings after summary investigation

§ 34–915. Hearings after summary investigation.
If after making such investigation the Commission becomes satisfied that sufficient grounds exist to warrant a formal hearing being ordered as to the matters so investigated, it shall furnish such public utility interested a statement notifying the public utility of the matters under investigation. Ten days after such notice has been given the Commission may proceed to set a time and place for a hearing and an investigation as hereinbefore provided.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 984, ch. 150, § 8, par. 45.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-616.
1973 Ed., § 43-415.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–916. Notice; hearing to be conducted as though complaint had been filed

§ 34–916. Notice; hearing to be conducted as though complaint had been filed.
Notice of the time and place for such hearing shall be given to the public utility and to such other interested persons as the Commission shall deem necessary, as provided in § 34-910, and thereafter proceedings shall be had and conducted in reference to the matter investigated in like manner as though complaint had been filed with the Commission relative to the matter investigated, and the same order or orders may be made in reference thereto as if such investigation had been made on complaint.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 984, ch. 150, § 8, par. 46.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-617.
1973 Ed., § 43-416.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–917. Utility may make complaint

§ 34–917. Utility may make complaint.
Any public utility may make complaint as to any matter affecting its own product or service with like effect as though made by the Commission or upon reasonable complaint as hereinbefore provided.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 984, ch. 150, § 8, par. 47.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-618.
1973 Ed., § 43-417.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-1552.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–918. Commissioners and agents may administer oaths, issue subpoenas; proceeding to punish for contempt

§ 34–918. Commissioners and agents may administer oaths, issue subpoenas; proceeding to punish for contempt.
Each of the commissioners and every agent provided for in § 34-906, for the purposes mentioned in this subtitle, shall have power to administer oaths, certify to official acts, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and testimony. In case of disobedience on the part of any person or persons to comply with any order of the Commission or any commissioner, or any subpoena, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which he may be interrogated before the Commission or its agent authorized, it shall be the duty of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, or a judge thereof, on application of a commissioner, to compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 984, ch. 150, § 8, par. 48; June 25, 1936, 49 Stat. 1921, ch. 804; June 25, 1948, 62 Stat. 991, ch. 646, § 32(b); May 24, 1949, 63 Stat. 107, ch. 139, § 127; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 572, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 155(c)(39)(C).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-619.
1973 Ed., § 43-418.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 9 - Rates, Examinations, Investigations, and Hearings › § 34–919. Witness fees

§ 34–919. Witness fees.
Each witness who shall appear before the Commission or its agent by its order shall receive for his attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on March 4, 1913, which shall be audited and paid in the same manner as fees in criminal cases within the District of Columbia are audited and paid, upon the presentation of proper vouchers, sworn to by such witnesses and approved by the chairman of the Commission. No witnesses subpoenaed at the instance of parties other than the Commission shall be entitled to compensation for attendance or travel unless the Commission shall certify that his testimony was material to the matter investigated, and that his attendance as a witness was reasonably necessary.
(Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 985, ch. 150, § 8, par. 49; June 25, 1936, 49 Stat. 1921, ch. 804; June 25, 1948, 62 Stat. 991, ch. 646, § 32(b); May 24, 1949, 63 Stat. 107, ch. 139, § 127.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-620.
1973 Ed., § 43-419.