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<section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="6-307" title_number="6" title_name="Business Structure" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies">
  <level label="a">
    <text>If an acquiring entity and the selling utility agree to use the process outlined in § 6–304 of this subtitle, the acquiring entity shall include in its application for Commission approval of the acquisition:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>copies of the two appraisals performed by the utility valuation experts under § 6–304 of this subtitle;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>the purchase price of the selling utility as agreed to by the acquiring entity and the selling utility;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>the rate making rate base of the selling utility determined in accordance with this subtitle;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="4">
      <text>the transaction and closing costs incurred by the acquiring entity that will be included in its rate base; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="5">
      <text>a tariff containing a schedule of rates, service charges, and any additional fees to be incurred by the customers of the selling utility at or immediately after the closing date of acquisition.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <level label="1">
      <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission shall issue a final order on an application submitted under this subtitle within 180 days after the filing date of a complete application under subsection (a) of this section.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The Commission may extend a proceeding under this subtitle for an additional 30 days if the Commission finds that the proceedings cannot be completed within the initial suspension period.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>After the expiration of 180 days under paragraph (1) of this subsection and any extension under paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the Commission has not entered a final order, the application shall be deemed approved.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>If the Commission issues an order approving the application for acquisition, the order shall include:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>the rate making rate base of the selling utility, as determined under this subtitle; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>any conditions of approval that the Commission requires.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <text>The tariff submitted under subsection (a)(5) of this section shall remain in effect until new rates are approved for the acquiring entity in a base rate case proceeding.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="e">
    <text>An appraisal conducted under this subtitle is presumed to be valid unless substantial evidence demonstrates a failure to adhere to the requirements of § 6–304 or § 6–305 of this subtitle.</text>
  </level>
</section>
