Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 24, June 15, 2024
Section 3.113 - Resolution of informal investigations(a) The Commission staff may conduct informal investigations or informal proceedings in appropriate circumstances regarding the condition and management of a public utility or other person subject to its jurisdiction. The informal investigations are typically undertaken to gather data or to substantiate allegations of potential violations of the act and may be conducted with or without hearing.(b) Under 65 Pa.C.S. Chapter 7 (relating to Sunshine Act), the Commission's official actions resolving informal investigations will be as follows: (1) When the Commission staff determines that no violation or potential violation of the act has occurred, the informal investigation will be terminated by letter.(2) When the Commission staff determines that a violation or potential violation of the act has occurred and when formal action is deemed to be warranted, the Commission staff will initiate a docketed on-the-record proceeding to resolve the issues.(3) When the utility, or other person subject to the Commission's jurisdiction, has committed to undertake action to address or remedy a violation or potential violation of the act or to resolve another perceived deficiency at the utility, in the form of a settlement with the Commission staff or other resolution of the matter, the Commission's consideration of the settlement or approval of the utility's action will occur at public meeting. Except for staff reports and other documents covered by a specific legal privilege, documents relied upon by the Commission in reaching its determination shall be made part of the public record. Before the Commission makes a final decision to adopt the settlement or to approve the utility's action, the Commission will provide other potentially affected persons with the opportunity to submit exceptions thereon or to take other action provided for under law.The provisions of this § 3.113 adopted May 12, 1989, effective 5/13/1989, 19 Pa.B. 2094; amended January 24, 1997, effective 1/25/1997, 27 Pa.B. 414; amended April 28, 2006, effective 4/29/2006, 36 Pa.B. 2097.The provisions of this § 3.113 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 504-506, 1301 and 1501.