5.__Penalties.__A public utility that violates this section or rules adopted pursuant to this section is subject to the penalties provided in section 1508-A.

SUMMARY

Presently, under existing rules of the Public Utilities Commission, a public utility must charge to its shareholders or owners all costs associated with the promotion of its regulated services. This bill makes these accounting requirements statutory and establishes authority for Public Utilities Commission administrative penalties for violation of rules adopted pursuant to these requirements. This bill also gives all customers the ability to consent to or to decline receipt of commercial messages from a utility in an annual notice and consent procedure.