
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC2624]

 
                         TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
 
             CHAPTER 46--PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES
 
             SUBCHAPTER II--STANDARDS FOR ELECTRIC UTILITIES
 
Sec. 2624. Lifeline rates


(a) Lower rates

    No provision of this chapter prohibits a State regulatory authority 
(with respect to an electric utility for which it has ratemaking 
authority) or a nonregulated electric utility from fixing, approving, or 
allowing to go into effect a rate for essential needs (as defined by the 
State regulatory authority or by the nonregulated electric utility, as 
the case may be) of residential electric consumers which is lower than a 
rate under the standard referred to in section 2621(d)(1) of this title.

(b) Determination

    If any State regulated electric utility or nonregulated electric 
utility does not have a lower rate as described in subsection (a) of 
this section in effect two years after November 9, 1978, the State 
regulatory authority having ratemaking authority with respect to such 
State regulated electric utility or the nonregulated electric utility, 
as the case may be, shall determine, after an evidentiary hearing, 
whether such a rate should be implemented by such utility.

(c) Prior proceedings

    Section 2634 of this title shall not apply to the requirements of 
this section.

(Pub. L. 95-617, title I, Sec. 114, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3124.)
