(a)      (1)      The Office of People's Counsel shall evaluate each matter pending before the Commission to determine if the interests of residential and noncommercial users are affected.

            (2)      If the Office of People's Counsel considers the interest of residential and noncommercial users to be affected, the Office of People's Counsel shall appear before the Commission and courts on behalf of residential and noncommercial users in each matter or proceeding over which the Commission has original jurisdiction, including a proceeding on the rates, service, or practices of a public service company or on a violation of this article.

            (3)      As the Office of People's Counsel considers necessary, the Office of People's Counsel shall conduct investigations and request the Commission to initiate proceedings to protect the interests of residential and noncommercial users.

      (b)      The People's Counsel shall administer and operate the Office of People's Counsel.