Section 815-RICR-00-00-1.7 - Formal ComplaintsA. Form 1. A written complaint may be made against any public utility pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-4-3, with regard to the subject matters designated in the statute by any city or town council, the Water Resources Board, any corporation, or by any twenty-five (25) qualified electors. A complaint filed by an individual or by less than twenty-five (25) qualified electors may, in the discretion of the Administrator, Administration and Operations Officer or Associate Administrator(s), be treated as a formal complaint.B. Process 1. The Division shall determine whether or not the complaint states a cause of action within its jurisdiction. If so, the Division shall make whatever investigation it deems necessary or convenient to ascertain whether probable cause exists for the complaint. If the Division determines that a cause of action within its jurisdiction does not exist, or that probable cause is absent, it will so advise the complainant in writing. A public hearing on a formal complaint is not required unless an order affecting rates, tolls, charges, regulations, measurement, practices, acts or services complained of will be issued. C. Hearing 1. If a public hearing is to be held, the Division will set a date and place for the hearing after having given ten (10) calendar days written notice of the complaint to all persons entitled to notice pursuant to § 1.12 of this Part and will inform the public pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-6. Upon request by the city or town council for matters involving water rates, charges, potability, or accommodation of the public, the Division shall hold at least one session of the public hearing within the county where the city or town is located, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-4-7.D. Satisfaction of Complaint. 1. If the respondent desires to satisfy the complaint, a written statement of the relief which the respondent is willing to provide shall be filed with the Division and contemporaneously served upon the complainant. Upon acceptance of this offer by the complainant and notice to the Division, the complaint shall be dismissed. If there is a partial settlement of the case with dismissal in part, the complainant may proceed with the remaining issues.815 R.I. Code R. 815-RICR-00-00-1.7