Unless otherwise in this title provided, all actions to enforce penalties or forfeitures under this title shall be brought in the name of the State of Alabama in a court of competent jurisdiction in Montgomery County, Alabama. Whenever any utility is subject to a penalty or forfeiture under this title, the commission shall certify the facts to the Attorney General, who shall institute and prosecute an action for recovery of such penalty; provided, the commission may compromise such action and dismiss the same on such terms as the court will approve. All penalties and forfeitures recovered by the state in such actions shall be paid into the treasury to the credit of the general fund.