Opinion ID: 1293583
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 24

Heading: final disposition

Text: In accordance with our discussion above of the various portions of the Court of Appeals' opinion, the decision of that court is Affirmed in part and reversed in part. G.S. 58-9.6(b) provides that we may affirm or reverse the decision of the Commissioner, declare the same null and void, or remand the case for further proceedings; or [we] may reverse or modify the decision if the substantial rights of the appellants have been prejudiced . . . . G.S. 150A-51 provides that we may affirm the decision of the agency or remand the case for further proceedings; or [we] may reverse or modify the decision if the substantial rights of the petitioners may have been prejudiced. In cases involving narrow and specific error in the Commissioner's order such as the Commissioner exceeding his authority or failing to set forth specific findings of fact, we would ordinarily remand the case to the Commissioner for further proceedings. Commissioner of Insurance v. Automobile Rate Administrative Office, supra, 292 N.C. 1, 231 S.E.2d 867 (1977); Commissioner of Insurance v. Automobile Rate Administrative Office, supra, 287 N.C. 192, 214 S.E.2d 98 (1975). Here, however, it is apparent that the multiple errors committed by the Commissioner in the proceedings and order before us are of such magnitude as to make remand futile. The order of the Commissioner dated 27 February 1978 is therefore Reversed and declared null and void. The former version of G.S. 58-124.22(b), under which this proceeding is governed, provided in pertinent part that: Whenever a Bureau rate is held to be unfairly, discriminatory or excessive and no longer effective by order of the Commissioner issued under G.S. 58-124.21, the members of the Bureau shall have the option to continue to use such rate for the interim period, pending judicial review of such order, provided each such member shall place in escrow account the purportedly unfairly discriminatory or excessive portion of the premium collected during such interim period and the court, upon a final determination, shall order the escrow funds to be distributed appropriately . . . . (Emphasis added.) Accordingly, all escrowed premium funds representing this proposed rate increase shall be remitted to the member insurers forthwith. It is so ordered. BROCK, J., took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.