Opinion ID: 1538573
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Refund/Surcharge Provision

Text: We deem it advisable to discuss one other facet of this case. In its July 3, 1975 order the Commission purported to fix rates subject to refund or surcharge. Since we have sustained New England's Section 303 appeal, and set aside the February 13, 1976 order of the Commission as vitiated by underlying error of law, the $9,500,000 rates, as authorized July 3, 1975 and effective July 15, 1975, remain the effective temporary rates. Because these may well continue as effective rates pending a potentially lengthy further evaluation by the Commission, and possible further action in this Court, we conclude that the interests of both the utility and the public are best served by a determination at this time of the validity of the refund/surcharge provision of the Commission order of July 3, 1975, and the effect of the refund/surcharge references in the Chief Justice's March 12, 1976 stay.