(1) Every application for operating authority and every protest to application for operating authority must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee:

(a) The application fee for a certificate of public convenience and necessity or for a certificate of compliance is $500, $300 to be refunded by the commission if the application does not proceed to hearing.

(b) The application fee for a certificate of public convenience and necessity or for a certificate of compliance under a federal or state contract, as provided under 69-12-324, MCA, is $100.

(c) The fee for a protest of an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity or for a certificate of compliance is $500.

(d) If a written request for the withdrawal of a protest is received by the commission at least two business days before the scheduled hearing, the protest fee will be refunded by the commission.