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<chapter num="03" heading="Complaints" title_num="20" subtitle_num="07">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Applicability.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>This chapter also governs disputes appealed to the Commission under COMAR 20.32.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Form and Contents.">
    <text>A complaint or appeal filed under this chapter shall be in writing and shall provide:</text>
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>The name of the public service company which is the subject of the complaint;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The name and address of the complainant;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>The name and address of the complainant's attorney, if any;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>A detailed description of the act, omission, or matter complained of, with relevant supporting documentation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="E.">
      <text>Specific reference to the law, regulation, or order that is alleged to have been violated, and the basis for the allegation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="F.">
      <text>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.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Complaint Procedures.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>When a complaint is received, the Commission may:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Conduct an ex parte investigation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Issue a satisfy or answer order to the public service company complained of, in a manner prescribed by the Commission; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Dismiss the complaint if it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>A public service company shall promptly notify the Commission if it satisfies a complaint before the time allowed in a satisfy or answer order.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>After investigation or expiration of the time allowed for satisfaction or answer, the Commission may:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Determine whether relief should be granted based on the information submitted by the complainant and the public service company; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Conduct hearings as necessary.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Appeal Procedures.">
    <text>When an appeal from COMAR 20.32 is received, the Commission may:</text>
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>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;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Dismiss the appeal if it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>Conduct further investigations, proceedings, or hearings as necessary.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Public Utilities Article, §§2-112, 2-121, 3-101, 3-102, and 4-503, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: August 15, 1910</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Revised effective May 8, 1911, May 3, 1912, and October 19, 1914</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.10 repealed and new Regulations .01—.04 adopted effective August 6, 1990 (17:15 Md. R. 1862)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04A amended effective June 15, 1998 (25:12 Md. R. 947)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>