The commission may order a gas utility to cease and desist from operating or acting in violation of a statute or rule or order of the commission. Whenever practicable, the commission shall notify a gas utility against whom a cease and desist order is contemplated and afford it an opportunity to present its views and shall afford it reasonable opportunity to comply. Failure to notify and afford such an opportunity does not preclude the granting of appropriate relief.   [PL 2003, c. 505, §36 (AMD).]