Any public utility which violates or fails to comply with any lawful order, judgment, finding, rule, or requirement of the commission, shall in the discretion of the commission be subject to a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each day of any such violation or failure, which may be declared due and payable by the commission, upon complaint, and after hearing, and when paid, either voluntarily, or after suit, which may be brought by the commission, shall be placed to the credit of the public utility account.