(1) Every person exempt from regulation under ORS § 757.005 (1)(b)(E) shall file with the Public Utility Commission, not later than 30 days prior to their effective date, all contracts and schedules establishing rates, terms and conditions for the provision of heating services.

(2) Prior to the effective date, the commission may suspend the effective date of such contracts or schedules for an additional period of not more than 120 days in order to determine the reasonableness of such contracts or schedules, taking into consideration the services being provided, the costs and risks of service, the availability and costs of alternative forms of service and other reasonable considerations, including the impact on existing customers of the utilities furnishing electricity and natural gas and on the public generally.

(3) If the contract or schedule is not suspended, or if the contract or schedule is determined reasonable by the commission after suspension, the contract or schedule shall not be subject to further commission review during its term or such other period as the commission may specify, except as provided in ORS § 757.009.

(4) In any proceeding before the commission to determine the reasonableness of contracts or schedules proposed under this section, the burden shall be upon the proponent of the contract or schedule to establish its reasonableness. [1989 c.999 4a,4c; 2003 c.82 § 5]