(a) Pending the hearing and a decision:
(1) the local regulatory authority, after delivering to the electric utility a written statement of the regulatory authority's reasons, may suspend the rate change for not longer than 90 days after the date the rate change would otherwise be effective; and
(2) the commission may suspend the rate change for not longer than 150 days after the date the rate change would otherwise be effective.
(b) The 150-day period prescribed by Subsection (a)(2) shall be extended two days for each day the actual hearing on the merits of the case exceeds 15 days.
(c) If the regulatory authority does not make a final determination concerning a rate change before expiration of the applicable suspension period, the regulatory authority is considered to have approved the change. This approval is subject to the authority of the regulatory authority thereafter to continue a hearing in progress.