§ 24-a. Notice to be given to department of state prior to rate
increase.

1. Notwithstanding any inconsistent general, special or local law or
rule or regulation to the contrary, the commission shall to the extent
the department shall so request in any cases or class of cases, give
notice to the department of any filed statement proposing to modify or
increase rates, services, schedule of rates or any other rating rule or
to adopt or amend any rate or service rules or regulations within five
days after the commission shall have received such statement from any
utility subject to its jurisdiction; provided, however, that in lieu of
giving such notice, the commission may direct that the utility give such
notice to the department.

2. In any such case in which the department shall file with the
commission a statement of intent to be a party, the department shall
have and in its discretion may exercise all the rights and privileges of
a party.

3. For the purposes of this section, the term "commission" shall mean
the public service commission.