(a) A person or entity, or trade association representing that person or entity, may request an audit in order to determine whether a fee described in this part exceeds the amount reasonably necessary to cover the costs to the utility of the use of a utility pole or support structure, consistent with this part. A person or entity making that request shall retain an independent auditor to conduct an audit to determine whether the fee is reasonable, unless an audit has been performed for the same fee within the previous 12 months. The individual or entity requesting the audit shall pay for the direct costs associated with an audit made pursuant to this subdivision.
(b) A person or entity, or trade association representing a person or entity, shall not request an audit unless the fee is directly imposed on the person or entity, or on a member of the trade association, as a condition for the use of the utility pole or support structure.
(c) To the extent that the audit determines that the amount of the fee does not meet the requirements of this part, the local publicly owned electric utility shall adjust the fee accordingly.
(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 580, Sec. 2. (AB 1027) Effective January 1, 2012.)