196.19 Publish schedules; regulations; files; joint rates.

(1) Each public utility shall file with the commission schedules showing all rates, tolls and charges which it has established and which are in force at the time for any service performed by it within the state, or for any service in connection therewith or performed by any public utility controlled or operated by it. The rates, tolls and charges shown on such schedules may not be changed except as provided under this chapter.

(2) Every public utility shall file with and as a part of such schedule all rules and regulations that, in the judgment of the commission, in any manner affect the service or product, or the rates charged or to be charged for any service or product, as well as any contracts, agreements or arrangements relating to the service or product or the rates to be charged for any service or product to which the schedule is applicable as the commission may by general or special order direct.

(3) A copy of as much of the schedules filed under sub. (1) as the commission determines necessary for the use of the public shall be produced in plain type, kept on file at the public utility, and made available to the public at least 10 days before the schedules take effect, unless the commission prescribes a shorter time period. In making a copy available to the public, a public utility may make the copy available at locations where customer payments are accepted, on the public utility's Internet site, or in a form and place that is otherwise readily accessible to the public.

(4) If a schedule of joint rates or charges is in force between public utilities, the schedule shall be filed with the commission under sub. (1). The commission shall determine the portion of the schedule necessary for the use of the public. The public utilities shall make the portion of the schedule available to the public as provided under sub. (3).

(6) The commission may prescribe the form in which any schedule is issued under this section by any public utility.

History: 1983 a. 53 ss. 28, 35; 1985 a. 297; 1993 a. 496; 1999 a. 9; 2011 a. 22; 2013 a. 125.