§ 196.60, a utility cannot discriminate in the rates it charges customers. Once in effect, a utility must charge a customer the tariffed rate. Tariffs on file with the PSC are available to the public for inspection on the PSC web site.
Tariffs are subject to review by the PSC, and in some instances, the courts.Ī utility must file its tariff with the PSC. As contracts, tariffs can be viewed as setting out the legal obligations of both parties – the customer's and the utility's. Tariffs have the force and effect of contracts. Tariffs are formal filings that utilities make with the Commission, tariffs cover everything from the rates a customer pays for water service each month to what qualifications a customer must meet in order to take service under a given rate offering.
