Subdivision 1. Authority.
Whenever the commission has reason to believe that any rate or charge may be unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory or that any service is inadequate or cannot be obtained or that an investigation of any matter relating to any public utility should for any reason be made, it may on its own motion summarily investigate the same with or without notice.
Subd. 2. Formal hearing.
If, after making the summary investigation, the commission becomes satisfied that sufficient grounds exist to warrant a formal hearing being ordered as to the matters investigated, it shall set a time and place for a hearing.
Subd. 3. Notice.
Notice of the time and place for the hearing shall be made as provided in sections 216B.17 and 216B.18 .