§ 34–1101. Utility service and charges to be just and reasonable; certification required.

(a) Every public utility doing business within the District of Columbia is required to furnish service and facilities reasonably safe and adequate and in all respects just and reasonable. The charge made by any public utility for a facility or service furnished, rendered, or to be furnished or rendered, shall be reasonable, just, and nondiscriminatory. Every unjust, unreasonable, or discriminatory charge for the facility or service is prohibited and unlawful. Every public utility is required to obey the lawful orders of the Commission created by this subtitle.

(b) No public utility shall furnish a service or facility, directly or indirectly, without first proceeding and proving to the satisfaction of the Public Service Commission (“Commission”) that the present and future public convenience and necessity requires that the service be provided or the facility be offered. Upon application of a public utility for a certificate of present and future public convenience and necessity pursuant to this subsection, the Commission, upon a hearing and notice to the public, shall issue an order granting or denying the application, in whole or in part, stating the reasons for the action. The Commission may prescribe terms and conditions upon a grant of an application for a certificate of present and future public convenience and necessity as the Commission, in its discretion, decides are necessary to further the present and future public convenience and necessity. The Commission is authorized to promulgate any rules necessary to implement this subsection.

(c) Every public utility that was regulated by the Commission and that furnished a service or facility within the District of Columbia as of June 27, 1989 is deemed to have been granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

(d) The Commission is authorized to promulgate any rules necessary to implement this section.