D.C. Code § 34-502: Certificate showing authority to issue stock or pay dividends to be obtained.

No public utility shall hereafter issue any stocks, stock certificates, bonds, mortgages, or any other evidences of indebtedness payable in more than 1 year from date, or pay any stock, bond or scrip dividend, until it shall have first obtained the certificate of the Commission showing authority for such issue from the Commission.