Section 983 Of Chapter 4.7. Core Transport Agent From California Public Utilities Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 4.7.
983
. (a) The commission shall accept, compile, and attempt to
informally resolve consumer complaints regarding core transport
agents. If the commission reasonably suspects a pattern of customer
abuses, the commission may, on its own motion, initiate
investigations into the activities of a core transport agent offering
gas service. Consumer complaints regarding service by a public
agency offering gas service within the political boundary of the
public agency or service territory of a local publicly owned gas
utility shall continue to be resolved by the public agency. Within
the service territory of a local publicly owned utility, consumer
complaints arising from the violation of core transport service rules
adopted by the governing body of the local publicly owned utility
shall be resolved through the local publicly owned utility's consumer
complaint procedures.
(b) Notwithstanding other provisions, core gas customers shall
have the option to proceed with a complaint against a core transport
agent either through an action filed in the judicial court system or
through a complaint filed with the commission. A customer who elects
either the judicial or commission remedies may not raise the same
claim in both forums. The commission shall have the authority to
accept, compile, and resolve core gas consumer complaints, including
the authority to award reparations. The commission's authority in
these complaint proceedings is limited to adjudication of complaints
regarding core gas service provided by a core transport agent and
shall not be expanded to include an award of any damages through
regulation of the rates or charges of the core transport agent.
However, a person or core transport agent that takes a conflict to
the commission shall not be precluded from pursuing an appeal of the
decision through the courts as provided for by law.
(c) In connection with customer complaints or commission
investigations into customer abuses, core transport agents shall
provide the commission access to their accounts, books, papers, and
documents related to California transactions as described in Sections
313 and 314, if the information is relevant to the complaint or
investigation.
(d) A core transport agent shall not discontinue service to a
customer for a disputed amount if that customer has filed a complaint
that is pending with the commission, and that customer has paid the
disputed amount into an escrow account.