[(1) The provisions of this section shall not apply if
the increase in price is due to a disparity that is
substantially attributable to additional costs that arose
within the chain of distribution in connection with the sale
of consumer goods or services, including replacement costs,
credit card costs, taxes and transportation costs.
(2)] The provisions of this act shall not apply to the
sale of goods or services sold by a person pursuant to a
tariff or rate approved by a Federal or Commonwealth agency
with power and authority over sales of such goods or
services.
(d) Price reduction.--A person selling consumer goods or
services who receives any price reduction, after an increase in
his cost which is substantially attributable to costs that arose
within the chain of distribution [as set forth in subsection
(c)], may rebut an allegation of selling at an unconscionably
excessive price if he reduces the price by a like amount within
a reasonable period, not to exceed seven days, of acquiring the
consumer good or service at such reduced price.
* * *
Section 5. Investigation.
(a) Authority.--The Bureau of Consumer Protection in the
Office of Attorney General shall investigate any complaints
received concerning violations of this act. If, after
investigating any complaint, the Attorney General finds that
there has been a violation of this act, the Attorney General may
bring an action to impose a civil penalty up to $10,000 for each
willful violation, with an aggregate total that may not exceed
$25,000 for a 24-hour period against a seller, and to seek other
relief, including injunctive relief, restitution and costs under
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