§813 Power Entering Into Interstate Commerce; Regulation of Rates, Charges, Etc.

Summary

When electric power crosses state or national lines, the prices charged and the service given by the licensee, its controlled subsidiaries, or by anyone who buys and resells that power for public use must be fair, reasonable, and the same for everyone. Unfair, unreasonable, or discriminatory rates or services are illegal. If the states involved have not set up a commission to enforce these rules, or if the states cannot agree on services, rates, or what securities may be issued, the federal commission can step in after a complaint, at a state’s request, or on its own to control the interstate parts of service, rates, and securities. Any securities issued by the licensee can only be used to honestly finance and run the business. The commission will use the same procedures and give the same rights to hearings and appeals as it does for railroad rate cases under subtitle IV of title 49. When setting rates, the licensee cannot claim property values higher than those listed in section 807 for U.S. purchase, but may include costs the licensee paid to build locks or other navigation structures and required capital expenses. No value may be claimed for rights granted by the commission or this law.