CHAPTER 671
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35
AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1
AND SENATE AMENDMENTS NO. 1 AND 2
EXPRESSING THE CONCERN OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OVER THE METHODS BY WHICH CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES OBTAIN RATE INCREASES, AND PROPOSING A MORATORIUM.
WHEREAS, various legislative committees, chaired by Representative Ambrosino, Senator Schior, and Senator Isaacs have been investigating rate increases proposed by certain public utilities, including the method of posting bond and obtaining the increase prior to a full Public Service Commission hearing; and
WHEREAS, one utility, Delmarva Power and Light Co. has requested a rate increase to be effective June 1, 1974; and
WHEREAS, it is felt that before any rate increases are granted the General Assembly and the Public Service. Commission should have the benefit of reading the reports by the various committees and the consideration of important legislation concerning public utilities.
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 127th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that the Public Service Commission is hereby directed to suspend any action, for ninety (90) days, on any rate increase proposed by Delmarva Power and Light Co. In addition, the General Assembly hereby requests the said Delmarva Power and Light Co. to refrain from putting any suspended rate increase into effect by the filing of a bond with the Commission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission shall, within a reasonable time, announce a public hearing for each proposed utility rate increase, which hearings shall be held in the early evening, during the business week, and only after the announcement of such hearing or hearings is published in newspapers having general circulation throughout the State or in each of the three counties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be forwarded to the Public Service Commission and to any utility which has proposed rate increases which are presently under consideration by the Commission.
Approved May 17, 1974