South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Here’s a comprehensive summary of Chapter 103 – Public Service Commission from the South Carolina Code of Regulations:
📘 Statutory Authority
Chapter 103 is issued under 1976 Code §§ 58‑3‑10 et seq., empowering the Public Service Commission (PSC) to regulate public utilities in the state. The PSC oversees a wide range of services, including electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, water, sewer, and motor carriers.
🧭 Article Overview
Article 1 – Railroads
Regulation of Passenger and Freight Services: Establishes requirements for passenger comfort, such as clean and heated waiting areas, and mandates that railroad companies provide timely bulletins for late trains.
Operational Standards: Details operational standards for railroads, including the handling of freight at non-agency stations and the provision of wholesome drinking water to passengers.
Article 2 – Motor Carriers
Certification and Operations: Outlines the process for motor carriers to obtain certificates of public convenience and necessity (PC&N), including the application procedures and the criteria for approval.
Exemptions: Specifies exemptions from regulations for certain motor carriers, detailing conditions under which they are not subject to PSC oversight.
Service Denial Restrictions: Prohibits motor carriers from denying service to customers based on nonpayment by previous occupants, unless the previous occupant benefits from the new service.
Article 3 – Electric Systems
Rate Authorization: Requires that all rates, tolls, and charges proposed by electric utilities be approved by the PSC before becoming effective.
Service Standards: Establishes standards for the quality and reliability of electric service, including guidelines for service interruptions and customer notifications.
Customer Relations: Details requirements for customer billing, deposits, and complaints handling to ensure fair treatment of consumers.
Article 4 – Gas Systems
Rate Authorization: Similar to electric systems, mandates that all rates, tolls, and charges proposed by gas utilities be approved by the PSC before they can be implemented.
Service Standards: Sets forth standards for gas service quality, including safety measures, pressure requirements, and response times for service interruptions.
Customer Relations: Specifies guidelines for billing practices, deposit requirements, and procedures for addressing customer complaints.
Article 5 – Sewerage Utilities
Utility Operations: Regulates the operations of sewerage utilities, including the maintenance of infrastructure and the provision of services to customers.
Customer Relations: Establishes guidelines for billing adjustments, service applications, and the handling of customer complaints to ensure equitable treatment of sewerage utility customers.
Article 6 – Water Utilities
Utility Operations: Provides regulations for the operation of water utilities, including infrastructure maintenance and service provision standards.
Customer Relations: Details requirements for customer billing, deposits, and procedures for addressing service issues and complaints.
Article 7 – Telecommunications
Service Standards: Sets forth standards for telecommunications services, including requirements for service availability, quality, and reliability.
Regulatory Compliance: Mandates that telecommunications providers comply with PSC regulations to ensure fair competition and consumer protection.
Customer Relations: Specifies guidelines for billing practices, service applications, and the handling of customer complaints.
Article 8 – Practice and Procedure
General Provisions: Establishes the framework for PSC proceedings, including jurisdiction, purpose, and the waiver of rules.
Proceedings: Differentiates between informal and formal proceedings, outlining the procedures for each.
Pleadings and Filings: Provides guidelines for the preparation and submission of pleadings, including applications, complaints, and petitions.
Discovery Procedures: Details the use of subpoenas, interrogatories, depositions, and data requests in PSC proceedings.
🧾 Key Provisions
Customer Service Standards: Prohibits utilities from denying service based on nonpayment by previous occupants, ensuring that new customers are not unjustly penalized.
Rate Approval Process: Requires that all proposed rates and charges by utilities be approved by the PSC before they can be implemented, providing a check on utility pricing.
Operational Transparency: Mandates that utilities maintain records and reports accessible to the PSC, ensuring transparency in utility operations.
Customer Protection: Establishes procedures for adjusting bills in cases of overcharges or billing errors, protecting consumers from unfair billing practices.
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