This bill amends and reenacts section 49-04-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, which addresses the prohibition of unreasonable preferences or advantages by public utilities. The revised language clarifies that no public utility may provide undue or unreasonable preference to any specific individual, company, or locality, nor may they impose undue prejudice or disadvantage. Additionally, the bill specifies that public utilities cannot charge different rates for similar services under comparable circumstances, except when reasonable agreements or sliding scales of charges are established and approved by the relevant commission.
Furthermore, the bill repeals sections 49-04-08, 49-04-09, and 49-04-10, which previously regulated common carriers concerning permissible discrimination, long and short hauls, and freight pooling. This repeal indicates a shift in regulatory focus, streamlining the legal framework governing public utilities and potentially enhancing competition and fairness in service provision.
Statutes affected: PREFILED: 49-04-07
Enrollment: 49-04-07
INTRODUCED: 49-04-07