Opinion ID: 2599819
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: General powers of the PSC

Text: [¶ 30] Qwest's next argument relies on the statute that establishes the PSC's general powers in regulating communications services. In particular, Qwest relies on language providing that the PSC has authority to [r]equire reports and studies as to prices and terms and conditions of service, necessary and relevant for the [PSC's] exercise of its authority. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 37-15-401(a)(iv). [8] Qwest observes that an agency's authority is strictly limited to that expressly set out in the statute. Montana Dakota Utilities Co. v. Public Service Comm'n of Wyoming, 847 P.2d 978, 983 (Wyo.1993). Thus, Qwest says, the PSC may require reports and studies, but only to the extent they are necessary and relevant. [¶ 31] Qwest asserts that an exchange-specific TSLRIC Study for the Afton Exchange is neither necessary nor relevant. The PSC has no use for such a study, Qwest says, because the Afton Exchange is a competitive market, and the PSC cannot regulate prices in a competitive market. As previously discussed, [9] the PSC has other uses for TSLRIC Studies, and TSLRIC Studies may be necessary and relevant for those uses. [¶ 32] Moreover, Qwest relies on a statute granting the PSC general powers, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 37-15-401(a)(iv). We have already concluded that the PSC has authority under a more specific statute, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 37-15-402(a), to require TSLRIC Studies for competitive and noncompetitive markets. Specific statutes control over general statutes involving the same subject. Amoco Prod. Co. v. Dep't of Revenue, 2004 WY 89, ¶ 18, 94 P.3d 430, 439 (Wyo.2004), citing Thunderbasin Land, Livestock & Inv. Co. v. Laramie County, 5 P.3d 774, 782 (Wyo.2000). But reading the two together, we find that the more specific statute, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 37-15-402(a), indicates that the legislature deemed TSLRIC Studies necessary and relevant to the extent required under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 37-15-401(a)(iv).