(a) The commission shall entertain complaints against any electrical, gas, water, heat, or telephone company under Sections 734, 735, and 736 when the amount of money claimed does not exceed the jurisdictional limit of the small claims court as set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 116.220 or Section 116.221 of the Code of Civil Procedure. However, when the public interest so requires, the commission or presiding officer may, at any time prior to the filing of a decision, terminate the expedited complaint procedure and recalendar the matter for hearing under the commission’s regular procedure.

(b) No attorney at law shall represent any party other than himself or herself under the expedited complaint procedure.

Terms Used In California Public Utilities Code 1702.1

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Commission: means the Public Utilities Commission created by §. See California Public Utilities Code 20
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Presiding officer: A majority-party Senator who presides over the Senate and is charged with maintaining order and decorum, recognizing Members to speak, and interpreting the Senate's rules, practices and precedents.
  • Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).

(c) No pleading other than the complaint and answer is necessary. A hearing without a reporter shall be held within 30 days after the answer is filed.

(d) The parties may file applications for rehearing pursuant to Section 1731. If the commission grants an application for rehearing, the rehearing shall be conducted under the commission’s regular hearing procedure.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 167, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2007.)

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