(a)      This section applies to a public service company that:

            (1)      provides gas or electric services;

            (2)      is subject to a cost allocation manual approved by the Commission;

            (3)      (i)      engages in an unregulated business activity; or

                  (ii)      has a subsidiary that engages in an unregulated business activity; and

            (4)      does not meet the standards for rate proceedings provided for under § 4-207 of this subtitle.

      (b)      When a public service company subject to this section files a request for a change in its base rate under this subtitle, or has a major change in its corporate organization or structure as determined by the Commission, the public service company shall file with the request an independent audit opinion prepared by an entity approved by the Commission that:

            (1)      certifies to the continuing accuracy of the public service company's cost allocation manual; or

            (2)      identifies adjustments that should be made to the manual consistent with prior Commission rulings.

      (c)      A public service company may not be required to file more than one independent audit opinion under this section within a consecutive 3-year period.

      (d)      The cost of the independent audit opinion filed under subsection (b) of this section shall be borne by the stockholders of the public service company.