476.55 - COMPLAINT OF ANTITRUST ACTIVITIES.

        476.55  COMPLAINT OF ANTITRUST ACTIVITIES.         1.  An application for new or changed rates, charges, schedules,      or regulations filed under this chapter, or an application for a      certificate or an amendment to a certificate submitted under chapter      476A, by an electric transmission line utility or a gas pipeline      utility or a subsidiary of either shall not be approved by the board      if, upon complaint by an Iowa electric or gas utility, the board      finds activities which create or maintain a situation inconsistent      with antitrust laws and the policies which underlie them.  The board      may grant the rate or facility certification request once it      determines that those activities which led to the antitrust complaint      have been eliminated.  However, this subsection does not apply to an      application for new or changed rates, charges, schedules, or      regulations after the expiration of the ten-month limitation and      applicable extensions.         2.  Notwithstanding section 476.1D, the board may receive a      complaint from a local exchange carrier that another local exchange      carrier has engaged in an activity that is inconsistent with      antitrust laws and the policies which underlie them.  For purposes of      this subsection, "local exchange carrier" means the same as      defined in section 476.96 and includes a city utility authorized      pursuant to section 388.2 to provide local exchange services.  If,      after notice and opportunity for hearing, the board finds that a      local exchange carrier has engaged in an activity that is      inconsistent with antitrust laws and the policies which underlie      them, the board may order any of the following:         a.  The local exchange carrier to adjust retail rates in an      amount sufficient to correct the antitrust activity.         b.  The local exchange carrier to pay any costs incurred by      the complainant for the pursuit of the complaint.         c.  The local exchange carrier to pay a civil penalty.         d.  Either the local exchange carrier or the complainant to      pay the costs of the complaint proceeding before the board, and the      other party's reasonable attorney fees.         This subsection shall not be construed to modify, restrict, or      limit the right of a person to bring a complaint under any other      provision of this chapter.  
         Section History: Recent Form
         83 Acts, ch 127, § 38; 2005 Acts, ch 9, §2