During the period of temporary suspension of rates generally, as provided herein, the commission may upon petition by a utility allow an emergency rate to take effect, subject to future modification by the commission and subject to refund to the customers of such utility, if it is determined that such emergency rate is necessary to protect the utility from extreme financial hardship and if that financial hardship is attributable solely to the temporary suspension of rate increases. The commission shall provide by rule and regulation criteria for determination of extreme financial hardship within the meaning of this section. Such petition shall be subject to the same notice requirements as set forth in article two, section four-a of this chapter.