No public utility may, except in cases of emergency, fail to provide, discontinue, reduce or impair service to a community, or a part of a community, except for nonpayment of account or violation of rules and regulations, unless permission has been first obtained from the Public Utilities Commission to do so. An intentional violation of this section is a petty offense. Each day's violation is a separate offense.
SDCL 49-34A-2.1