In setting rates for a natural gas local distribution company in a general rate case proceeding under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-133, the Commission may adopt, implement, modify, or eliminate a rate adjustment mechanism to enable the company to recover the prudently incurred capital investment and associated costs of complying with federal gas pipeline safety requirements, including a return based on the company’s then authorized return. The Commission shall adopt, implement, modify, or eliminate a rate adjustment mechanism authorized under this section only upon a finding by the Commission that the mechanism is in the public interest. ?(2013-54, s. 1.)