§ 39-1-13. Subpoena powers of commissioners.
The commissioners are hereby severally authorized and empowered to administer oaths; and the commission, in all cases of every nature pending before it, is hereby authorized and empowered to summon and examine witnesses and to compel the production and examination of papers, books, accounts, documents, records, certificates, and other legal evidence that may be necessary or proper for the determination and decision of any question before or the discharge of any duty required by law of the commission. All subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum shall be signed by the chairperson or by the clerk, and shall be served as subpoenas are served in civil cases in the superior court; and witnesses so subpoenaed shall be entitled to the same fees for attendance and travel as are provided for witnesses in civil cases in the superior court. If any person fails to obey the command of the subpoena, without reasonable cause, or if a person in attendance before the commission shall, without reasonable cause, refuse to be sworn, or to be examined, or to answer a legal and pertinent question, any commissioner may apply to any justice of the superior court, upon proof by affidavit of the fact, for a rule or order returnable in not less than two (2) nor more than five (5) days, directing the person to show cause why he or she should not be adjudged in contempt. Upon the return of the order, the justice before whom the matter is brought for a hearing shall examine under oath the person, and the person shall be given an opportunity to be heard, and if the justice shall determine that the person has refused without reasonable cause or legal excuse to be examined, or to answer a legal and pertinent question, or to produce books, accounts, papers, records, and documents material to the issue that he or she was ordered to bring or produce, he or she may forthwith commit the person to the adult correctional institutions, there to remain until he or she submits to do the act that he or she was so required to do, or is discharged according to law.
History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission
Section 39-1-1. - Declaration of policy — Purposes.
Section 39-1-2. - Definitions.
Section 39-1-3. - Commission and division established — Functions of commission — Administrator.
Section 39-1-4. - Composition of commission — Terms — Vacancies.
Section 39-1-5. - Removal of commissioner from office.
Section 39-1-6. - Holding over in office.
Section 39-1-7. - Powers of commission — Seal.
Section 39-1-8. - Quorum — Meetings.
Section 39-1-9. - Clerk — Oath of office.
Section 39-1-10. - Powers and duties of clerk.
Section 39-1-11. - Proceedings before commission.
Section 39-1-12. - Prehearing procedure — Formulating issues — Copies of exhibits.
Section 39-1-13. - Subpoena powers of commissioners.
Section 39-1-14. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-15. - Investigators and examiners.
Section 39-1-15.1. - Enforcement powers of inspectors.
Section 39-1-15.2. - Enforcement by police departments.
Section 39-1-16. - Depositions.
Section 39-1-17. - Consumers’ council participation.
Section 39-1-18. - Hearings and records — Certified copies.
Section 39-1-19. - Personnel — Legal representation.
Section 39-1-20. - Assistance for investigations and hearings.
Section 39-1-21. - Access to premises of utility.
Section 39-1-22. - False returns.
Section 39-1-23. - Administrative expenses — Assessment against utilities.
Section 39-1-24. - Certification, collection, and deposit of assessments.
Section 39-1-25. - Objection to assessments.
Section 39-1-27. - Electric distribution companies required to file restructuring plans.
Section 39-1-27.2. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-27.3.1. - Option to return to standard offer.
Section 39-1-27.4. - Transition charges authorized.
Section 39-1-27.5. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-27.6. - Standards of conduct.
Section 39-1-27.7. - System reliability and least-cost procurement.
Section 39-1-27.7.1. - Revenue decoupling.
Section 39-1-27.8. - Supply procurement portfolio.
Section 39-1-27.9. - Office of energy resources participation.
Section 39-1-27.11. - Affordable gas for public housing authorities.
Section 39-1-27.12. - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Plan.
Section 39-1-27.13. - Alternative suppliers and purchase of receivables program.
Section 39-1-28. - Acceptance of grants.
Section 39-1-29. - Proceedings before federal agencies — Cooperation with other agencies.
Section 39-1-30. - Zoning review — Approval of ordinances and regulations.
Section 39-1-30.1. - Validation of location of utilities.
Section 39-1-30.2. - Possession of land adverse to a utility.
Section 39-1-31. - Eminent domain.
Section 39-1-32. - Emergency powers of commission.
Section 39-1-34. - Disposition of fees.
Section 39-1-35. - Conflict of interest.
Section 39-1-36. - Offices of commission and division.
Section 39-1-37. - “Public utility administrator” defined — Continuity of functions.
Section 39-1-37.1. - Ratepayers advisory board.
Section 39-1-38. - Liberal construction — Incidental powers — Severability.
Section 39-1-39. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-40. - Toll-free telephone service for complaints.
Section 39-1-41. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-42. - Access to telephone information services for persons with disabilities.
Section 39-1-43. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-44. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-45. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-46. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-47. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-48. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-49. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-50. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-51. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-52. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-53. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-54. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-55. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-56. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-57. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-58. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-59. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-60. - [Repealed.]
Section 39-1-61. - Rhode Island telecommunications education access fund.