1. (a) After review and consideration of the department staff recommendation and any position statements and responses thereto , the commission shall:

   1. (1) Issue an order nisi approving a rate increase, if the commission finds the rate increase just and reasonable pursuant to the standards set forth in RSA 378 and by the New Hampshire supreme court, and the request is related to a matter under the commission’s jurisdiction as set forth in this chapter;
   2. (2) Issue an order denying the rate increase, if the commission finds the requested rate increase to be unjust and unreasonable pursuant to the standards set forth in RSA 378 and by the New Hampshire supreme court, or the request is outside the ambit of these rules; or
   3. (3) Issue an order initiating a full rate proceeding pursuant to RSA 378:7 and Puc 1600 should the commission believe the utility is over-earning, or under-earning to a degree that threatens safe and adequate service to customers.

Source. (See Revision Note # 1 and Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Puc 600) #13887, eff 2-22-24