§271G-7 General duties and powers of the commission. The general duties and powers of the public utilities commission shall be:

(1) To regulate water carriers, and to that end the commission shall have and utilize the investigative powers set forth in section 269-7 as well as all of the duties and powers specifically enumerated in this chapter, and water carriers shall be subject to the duties set forth in sections 269-8 and 269-9 as well as all of the duties specifically enumerated herein.

(2) To establish such just and reasonable classifications of water carriers as the special nature of the services performed by the carriers shall require, and such just and reasonable rules, regulations, and requirements, consistent with this chapter, to be observed by the carriers so classified or grouped, as the commission deems necessary or desirable in the public interest. Such classifications, rules, regulations, and requirements shall be adopted and promulgated pursuant to the provisions of chapter 91 and shall have the force and effect of law.

(3) Upon complaint in writing to the commission by any person or body politic, or upon its own initiative without complaint, the commission may investigate whether any water carrier has failed to comply with any provision of this chapter, or with any rule or order adopted or issued hereunder.

(4) The commission may investigate any person acting in the capacity of or engaging in the business of a water carrier within the State, without having a certificate of public convenience and necessity or other authority previously obtained under and in compliance with this chapter or the rules promulgated under this chapter. [L 1974, c 94, pt of §1; am L 1991, c 57, §15]