HB 967 Summary

• Changes appeals of Public Service Commission orders from circuit court review to direct court of appeals review, with the Supreme Court as the final appellate option.

• Reduces the time to file an appeal from 30 days to 15 days after a rehearing application is denied or decided.

• Requires the Commission to prepare a detailed reconciliation showing the dollar value and rate impact of each contested issue decided, including customer class billing determinants, to assist reviewing courts.

• Establishes procedures for temporary rate adjustments when courts find Commission rate orders were unlawful or unreasonable, including recovery of excess amounts collected plus interest at prime minus two percentage points.

• Prohibits stays or suspensions of Commission orders establishing new rates, except that courts may stay non-rate orders if great or irreparable damage would result to the appellant.