Whenever any public
service company, subject to regulation by the commission as to
rates and service, files with the commission any schedule,
classification, rule, or regulation, the effect of which is to
change any rate, fare, charge, rental, or toll previously
charged, the commission may, either upon its own motion or upon
complaint, upon notice, hold a hearing concerning the proposed
change and the reasonableness and justness of it. Pending the
hearing and the decision, the commission may suspend the
operation of the rate, fare, charge, rental, or toll, if the
change is proposed by a common carrier other than a solid waste
collection company, for a period not exceeding seven months, and,
if proposed by a solid waste collection company, for a period not
exceeding ten months from the time the change would otherwise go
into effect. After a full hearing the commission may make the
order in reference to the change as would be provided in a
hearing initiated after the change had become effective.
At any hearing involving any change in any schedule,
classification, rule, or regulation the effect of which is to
increase any rate, fare, charge, rental, or toll theretofore
charged, the burden of proof to show that the increase is just
and reasonable is upon the public service company. When any
common carrier files any tariff, classification, rule, or
regulation the effect of which is to decrease any rate, fare, or
charge, the burden of proof to show that such decrease is just
and reasonable is upon the common carrier.
During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.010(12), the governor may waive or suspend the operation or
enforcement of this section or any portion of this section or
under any administrative rule, and issue any orders to facilitate
the operation of state or local government or to promote and
secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.
[2008 c 181 § 404; 2007 c 234 § 6; 1993 c 300 § 1; 1984 c 143 § 1; 1961 c 14 § 81.04.130. Prior: 1941 c 162 § 1; 1937 c 169 § 2; 1933 c 165 § 3; 1915 c 133 § 1; 1911 c 117 § 82; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 10424.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law -- 2008 c 181: See note following RCW 43.06.220.