Rate Structure and Approval Procedures

Rate Structure and Approval Procedures. (a) A regulated entity may not charge or receive compensation for any regulated service or product other than through the rates, rents, fees and charges approved by the Commission. (b) Every regulated entity shall present the Commission with a schedule of all rates, rents, fees, and charges it proposes to assess for regulated services of all types. (c) A regulated entity shall not unduly discriminate or give undue preferences or advantages to any person or class of customers, or customers of a geographic area. Upon a finding that there is a cost of service benefit therefrom, the Commission may permit the preference, advantage, or discrimination pursuant to established rate-making principles for purposes which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Economic development; (2) Energy conservation or independence; (3) Fuel and power source diversification; (4) Universal service aid a due recognition to the affordability of service to low income customers; (5) Giving due recognition to the class of service, including but nor limited to residential, commercial, government, industrial, and street lighting; and (6) Providing for geographically uniform rates, charges and fees among the islands of Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, and among geographic areas within an island. Source: PL 12-39, § 1(b) (8315), modified; repealed and reenacted by PL 15-35, § 2 (8429), modified; repealed and reenacted by PL 15-40, § 3(e). Commission Comment: PL 15-40 was enacted on December 22, 2006, and included a short title and findings and purpose sections in addition to other enactments and severability and savings provisions. See the comment to 4 CMC § 8403 for details of PL 15-40.