In Re Will of Mrs. Minnie Stowe Puett

In the exercise of the police powers of the State the General Assembly has conferred upon the Utilities Commission the duty and authority to fix rates for public-service companies that are reasonable and just. Corporation Commission v. Manufacturing Co., 185 N.C. 17, 23, 116 S.E. 178. The powers of the Commission are supervisory and regulatory, and it possesses quasi-judicial functions. The Commission has general supervision over rates charged and service rendered by electric light and power companies. G.S. 62-30. And it is under duty to inquire into service rendered and rates charged by them and to fix and determine the reasonableness thereof. G.S. 62-31. It must establish reasonable and just rates and charges of and for "persons, companies and corporations, other than municipal corporations, engaged in furnishing electricity, electric lights, current, (and) power.. ." G.S. 62-122. (Parentheses ours.)