Opinion ID: 2324296
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: New Standard for Approval

Text: The Commission stated that [i]n making the decisions set forth in this Order, we have sought to balance the interests of [Verizon] with the interests of its customers and our State as a whole. CWA says that § 4-301 contains no balancing test and that the correct standard to be applied is grounded in the protection of consumers, the encouragement of competition and the public interest. At any proceeding before the Commission, a party, including a public service company, may present evidence[] and present argument[.] PUC § 3-107(1). Obviously, the Commission should consider that evidence. Further, the public interest and the protection of consumers requires that the public service company be able to deliver its service at fair and reasonable charges. This necessitates considering, or balancing, the interests of the public service company. For all the foregoing reasons, we shall affirm. JUDGMENT OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE CITY AFFIRMED. COSTS TO BE PAID BY THE APPELLANT.