(1) The penalties prescribed by chapter 3 of this title shall be and remain in full force and effect, and shall in every case apply to any public utility within this chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as they are made applicable to and imposed on railroad and transportation companies under chapter 3 of this title.
(2) In determining the amount of the penalty, the appropriateness of the penalty to the size of the business of the person, firm or corporation charged, the gravity of the violation and the good faith of the person, firm or corporation charged in attempting to achieve compliance, after notification of a violation, shall be considered. The amount of the penalty, when finally determined, may be deducted from any sums owing by the state to the person, firm or corporation charged or may be recovered in a civil action in the courts of this state.