48:3-80. Investigative powers of board relative to suppliers

31. a. Whenever it shall appear to the board that an electric power supplier or a gas supplier has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any act or practice that is in violation of this act, or when the board shall deem it to be in the public interest to inquire whether any such violation may exist, the board may exercise any of the following investigative powers:

(1) Require any person to file, on such form as may be prescribed, a statement or report in writing under oath, or otherwise, as to the facts and circumstances concerning the rendition of any service or conduct of any sale incidental to the discharge of this act;

(2) Examine under oath any person in connection with any act or practice subject to the requirements of this act;

(3) Inspect any premises from which an electric power supplier or a gas supplier conducts business;

(4) Examine any goods, ware, item or facility used in the supply of electric power or gas;

(5) Examine any record, book, document, account, electronic data or paper maintained by or for any electric power supplier or gas supplier;

(6) For the purpose of preserving evidence of an unlawful act or practice, pursuant to an order of the Superior Court, impound any record, book, document, account, paper, electronic data, goods, ware, item or facility used or maintained by or for any electric power supplier or gas supplier in the regular course of business. In such cases as may be necessary, the Superior Court may, on application of the board, issue an order sealing items or material subject to this paragraph.

b. If any person shall fail or refuse to file any statement or report or refuse access to premises from which an electric power supplier or a gas supplier conducts business in any lawfully conducted investigative matter or fail to obey a subpoena issued pursuant to this act, the board may apply to the Superior Court and obtain an order:

(1) Adjudging such person in contempt of court;

(2) Granting such other relief as may be required; or

(3) Suspending the license of any such person unless and until compliance with the subpoena or investigative demand is effected.

c. Whenever the board finds that a violation by an electric power supplier or a gas supplier of this act, including the unlicensed supplying of electric power or gas, or of any rule or regulation adopted by the board pursuant thereto, has occurred, is occurring or will occur, the board, in addition to any other proceeding authorized by law, may seek and obtain in a summary proceeding in the Superior Court an injunction prohibiting such act or practice.

L.1999,c.23,s.31.