Opinion ID: 307053
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Improper Retroactivity

Text: 20 The Association argues that it deserves retroactive application of the just rate as of 17 October 1969. This result might be based on one of two grounds. First, arguing that the decision should have been based on the record as it stood in October 1969, the Association claims that the FPC can only correct that error by deciding the fair rate on the basis of the 1966 test period and ordering refunds as if that decision had been made and had stood since 1969. However, because we have decided that the FPC was correct in deciding that the record in fact needed updating, which as a practical and legally proper matter precluded a decision in October 1969, we cannot agree to such a result. 21 Second, the Association suggests that, if the record was stale, the staleness was caused by the inexcusable inactivity of the Commission. On this basis, our equitable powers are claimed to be sufficient to give full retroactivity, to 17 October 1969, of the rate now determined just under the updated record. We agree that this case has hardly been handled with exemplary dispatch. That is a matter of grave concern in the context of a rate proceeding whose determination, absent legal error, can only apply prospectively. Justice delayed may well become justice denied in such circumstances; and the Commission has the highest duty to expedite matters to the best of its ability. 22 However, some time is obviously necessary for the FPC to make its decisions. The Association has suggested no basis for determining when deliberation slides over into inexcusable delay-either in theory or on the facts of this case. 16 Without commenting on the extent of our equitable power to order retroactive rate refunds to remedy inequitable FPC delay, we simply note that, except for the legal error of dismissal discussed above, there has been no adequate showing of inequitable Commission conduct sufficient to warrant greater retroactive relief. 23