Title 49 — Public Utilities

In this title, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires: 1. "Commission" means the public service commission. 2. "Commissioner" means one of the members of the public service commission. 3. "Public utility" includes any association, person, firm, corporation, limit…

1. A special fund is established in the state treasury and designated as the public service commission program fund. Moneys deposited in the fund may be spent by the public service commission pursuant to legislative appropriation to defray the expenses of the commission. 2. Reven…

The three persons elected public service commissioners, pursuant to the provisions of article V, section 2, of the Constitution of North Dakota, constitute and shall be known and designated as the public service commission of the state of North Dakota. They shall elect one of the…

Each commissioner before entering upon the duties of the office shall take the oath required of civil officers.

The commissioners shall keep their office at the seat of government and shall be provided with a suitable room, necessary office furniture, stationery, books, and maps, the expense thereof to be paid out of the state treasury pursuant to the appropriation for such purpose.

The annual salary of a commissioner is one hundred thirty-nine thousand two hundred fifty-six dollars through June 30, 2026, and one hundred forty-three thousand four hundred thirty-four dollars thereafter. All fees received or charged by any commissioner for any act or service r…

All questions arising in connection with the action of the commissioners shall be decided by a majority vote.

The commission in all cases may conduct its proceedings, when not otherwise particularly prescribed by law, in a manner most conducive to the proper dispatch of business and to the ends of justice. A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of busi…

The commission may designate any special assistant attorney general appointed by the attorney general as commerce counsel or counsel to the commission, the director of auto transportation, the chief statistician, the chief engineer, or any other person qualified in the law or pos…

The commission may employ stenographers, rate experts, and such other employees as may be deemed necessary in the discharge of its official duties.

All costs and expenses actually incurred by or upon the order of the attorney general incident to any litigation arising in connection with the enforcement of orders of the commission or other litigation commenced by or in charge of the attorney general shall be paid out of the g…

Except as otherwise provided, any penalty which shall be collected for violation of any provision of this title shall be paid into the state treasury for the general fund.

1. The commission shall assess each electric and gas utility a fee in proportion to the utility's respective gross operating revenues from the retail sale of gas and electric service within the state during the preceding calendar year. The total of the combined assessments may no…

The commission shall submit a report to the governor and the secretary of state in accordance with section 54-06-04.

Copies of all official documents and orders filed or deposited according to law in the office of the commission, certified by a commissioner or by the secretary or assistant secretary of the commission under its official seal to be true copies of the originals, shall be evidence …