# COMAR Title 20 — Public Service Commission

## Subtitle 07 — Practice and Procedure

### Chapter 03 — Complaints

**Authority:** Public Utilities Article, §§2-112, 2-121, 3-101, 3-102, and 4-503, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: August 15, 1910

**Administrative History:** Revised effective May 8, 1911, May 3, 1912, and October 19, 1914

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.10 repealed and new Regulations .01—.04 adopted effective August 6, 1990 (17:15 Md. R. 1862)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended effective June 15, 1998 (25:12 Md. R. 947)

#### Regulation .01 Applicability.

*COMAR 20.07.03.01*

A. This chapter applies to complaints filed under Public Utilities Article, §3-102, Annotated Code of Maryland, against public service companies subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission, which allege a violation of the Public Service Commission's law, orders, or regulations.

B. This chapter also governs disputes appealed to the Commission under COMAR 20.32.

#### Regulation .02 Form and Contents.

*COMAR 20.07.03.02*

A complaint or appeal filed under this chapter shall be in writing and shall provide:

A. The name of the public service company which is the subject of the complaint;

B. The name and address of the complainant;

C. The name and address of the complainant's attorney, if any;

D. A detailed description of the act, omission, or matter complained of, with relevant supporting documentation;

E. Specific reference to the law, regulation, or order that is alleged to have been violated, and the basis for the allegation; and

F. Other facts or matters relevant to the complaint that may be required by the Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, or necessary to fully acquaint the Commission with the details of the complaint.

#### Regulation .03 Complaint Procedures.

*COMAR 20.07.03.03*

A. When a complaint is received, the Commission may:

  (1) Conduct an ex parte investigation;

  (2) Issue a satisfy or answer order to the public service company complained of, in a manner prescribed by the Commission; or

  (3) Dismiss the complaint if it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

B. If the Commission issues a satisfy or answer order, the public service company shall respond within 20 days or a time period prescribed by the Commission.

C. A public service company shall promptly notify the Commission if it satisfies a complaint before the time allowed in a satisfy or answer order.

D. After investigation or expiration of the time allowed for satisfaction or answer, the Commission may:

  (1) Determine whether relief should be granted based on the information submitted by the complainant and the public service company; or

  (2) Conduct hearings as necessary.

#### Regulation .04 Appeal Procedures.

*COMAR 20.07.03.04*

When an appeal from COMAR 20.32 is received, the Commission may:

A. Determine whether relief should be granted based on the information submitted by the complainant/appellant, the public service company, and the investigation of the Consumer Affairs Division;

B. Dismiss the appeal if it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; or

C. Conduct further investigations, proceedings, or hearings as necessary.