HomeMy WebLinkAbout19980701Decision Memo.doc DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
MYRNA WALTERS
STEPHANIE MILLER
DAVID SCHUNKE
DON HOWELL
JOE CUSICK
BIRDELLE BROWN
BEVERLY BARKER
RITA SCOTT
TONYA CLARK
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM: CHERI COPSEY
DATE: JULY 1, 1998
RE: MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILE COMMENTS REGARDING CITIZENS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OF IDAHOS APPLICATION TO REBALANCE ITS RATES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES; CASE NO. CTC-T-98-3.
On July 1, 1998, Staff filed a Motion requesting a twenty-one (21) day extension of time within which to file comments regarding Citizens Telecommunications Company of Idahos Application to reduce access rates and rebalance other rates for telecommunications services pursuant. Comments are presently due July 10, 1998. Public hearings are scheduled for
July 2, 1998, in Wilder, Idaho, and August 4, 1998, in McCall, Idaho.
BACKGROUND
On May 15, 1998, Citizens Telecommunications Company of Idaho filed an Application to reduce access rates and rebalance other rates for telecommunications services pursuant to Idaho Public Utilities Commission Rule 121. IDAPA 31.01.01.121. Citizens also proposed establishing extended area service (EAS) in the majority of its exchanges, thereby addressing pending EAS petitions in Case Nos. GNR-T-96-2, GNR-T-96-8 and GNR-T-97-10. It proposed to modify EAS for Aberdeen to Blackfoot and American Falls which was approved by the Commission in
GNR-T-96-7 and which is currently scheduled to become effective July 11, 1998. Order No. 27412.
The Notice of Modified Procedure, Notice of Public Hearings and Order of Consolidation was issued June 19, 1998. Order No. 27578. Comments are due July 10, 1998.
During the June 19 decision meeting the Commission expressed interest in knowing the relationship between the costs for providing access and the proposed access rates.
Staff stated in its Motion that it is working on reviewing that information. However, Staff stated more time is clearly necessary to adequately review that information and prepare comments. Staff stated it needs additional time to obtain and review that information before making its recommendation. In addition, Staff stated it had been contacted by U S WEST Communications, Inc. regarding the feasibility of providing EAS under some of the proposed optional plans.
U S WEST indicated it needed more time to evaluate those plans and their impact on U S WEST customers. Therefore, Staff respectfully requested an additional twenty-one (21) days within which to file its comments and make a recommendation.
Public hearings are scheduled for July 2, 1998, in Wilder, Idaho, and August 4, 1998, in McCall, Idaho. Therefore, Staff maintains an extension will not affect this proceeding.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission grant the Staffs Motion?
Cheri C. Copsey
CC:gdk:i:wpfiles/lmemos/ctc98_3.mem
DECISION MEMORANDUM 1