Opinion ID: 1666183
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: standard of review

Text: The law applicable to our review of orders of the PSC was set forth by this court in Central Louisiana Elec. Co. v. Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 508 So.2d 1361 (La.1987) wherein we noted: Initially, as the orders of the Commission are entitled to great weight, they should not be overturned absent a showing of arbitrariness, capriciousness, or abuse of authority by the Commission. Secondly, courts should be reluctant to substitute their own views for those of the expert body charged with the legislative function of rate-making. Lastly, a decision of the Commission will not be overturned absent a finding that it is clearly erroneous or that it is unsupported by the record. 508 So.2d at 1364. The rule we enunciated in Central Electric applies to commission findings of fact and conclusions based on those facts. In addition, deference is paid to the commission's interpretation of its own rules and orders. However, when the commission's rulings turn on interpretation of a statute or a judicial decision, this court reviews commission rulings for errors of law and no deference is paid to the legal conclusions of the commission or the district court. Entergy Louisiana, Inc. v. Louisiana Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 98-0475 (La.9/9/98), 717 So.2d 217; Washington St. Tammany Elec. Coop., Inc. v. Louisiana Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 95-1932 (La.4/8/96), 671 So.2d 908. The contention that Exxon's claims are prescribed based on the undisputed facts, that the PSC wrongfully declined subject matter jurisdiction of certain refund claims, and that the PSC improperly awarded only post-petition interest, all involve assertions of legal error. On the other hand, Exxon's claim that the facilities charges are unreasonable depends on a factual determination by the commission that must be affirmed unless arbitrary and capricious or unsupported by the record. Because our resolution of the prescription issue may make it unnecessary to address many of Exxon's claims, we first consider whether Exxon's right to seek relief is barred by a statutory period of limitations.