Office of Consumer Advocate v. Iowa State Commerce Commission

NEUMAN, Justice.

This appeal examines the distinction drawn between general and non-general utility rate increases and the hearing requirements applicable to each. The controversy stems from proposed increases in charges for telephone operator service and directory assistance. Although the Utilities Board concluded without hearing that the increases were reasonable, the district court decided on judicial review that making such a factual determination on the present record without an opportunity for evidentiary hearing violated the objector’s constitutional rights to due process. We agree and…