Opinion ID: 1662984
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: the refund and attorneys' fee issues

Text: Since we are of the opinion that there is substantial evidence in the certified record to affirm the order of the Commission, these issues in essence become moot. But, to answer the intervenors, the rates collected between the Commission's June 4, 1971, order and the decree of the Circuit Court, were lawful rates. These were the only rates ALAGASCO could collect as they were fixed after an investigation by the Commission. And, in the absence of a supersedeas authorized by § 81, Title 48, ALAGASCO was compelled by law to charge and collect those rates. T. R. Miller Mill Co. v. Louisville and N. R. Co., 207 Ala. 253, 92 So. 797 (1921). See also Birmingham Electric Co. v. Alabama Public Service Commission, 254 Ala. 140, 47 So.2d 455 (1949). Attorneys' fees are disallowed under authority of State of Alabama and George C. Wallace, as Governor of the State of Alabama et al. v. Alabama Public Service Commission, 293 Ala. 553, 307 So. 2d 521. The decree of the Circuit Court setting aside the Commission's order is reversed and the case is remanded with direction to enter an order affirming the findings of the Public Service Commission. That part of the decree disallowing refunds and attorneys' fees is affirmed. Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded. MERRILL, COLEMAN, HARWOOD, BLOODWORTH, MADDOX and McCALL, JJ., concur. HEFLIN, C. J., concurs in the result. JONES, J., concurs in the result.