Existing law prohibits certain public utilities from beginning construction of a line, plant, or system, or of an extension thereof, without having first obtained from the Public Utilities Commission a certificate that the present or future public convenience and necessity require or will require that construction, which is referred to as a certificate of public convenience and necessity. If a complaint is filed with the commission alleging that a public utility is engaged or is about to engage in construction work without having secured a certificate of public convenience and necessity, existing law authorizes the commission to require the public utility to cease and desist from engaging in that construction work until the commission makes and files a decision on the complaint, as specified.