The commission upon complaint or upon its own initiative and whenever it may deem it necessary in the performance of its duties may investigate and examine the condition and operation of any public utility or any part thereof. In conducting the investigations the commission may proceed either with or without a hearing as it may deem best, but it shall make no order without affording the affected parties a hearing.
Minn. Stat. § 216B.14
1974 c 429 s 14