19991020Notice of Application.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION OF U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND CITIZENS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OF IDAHO FOR TRANSFER OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY. )
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CASE NO. USW-T-99-25
CTC-T-99-2

NOTICE OF JOINT APPLICATION

NOTICE OF RIGHT TO INTERVENE

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on October 7, 1999, U S WEST Communications, Inc. (U S WEST) and Citizens Telecommunications Company of Idaho (Citizens) filed a Joint Application for transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The Application requests approval of the transfer to Citizens of U S WEST’s certificate to provide local exchange and other telecommunication services in north Idaho. The Application also requests Commission approval of the transfer to Citizens of U S WEST’s assets in its north Idaho exchanges of Cottonwood, Craigmont, Grangeville, Kamiah, Kooskia, Lapwai, Lewiston Sherwood, and Nez Perce. Those exchanges comprise of approximately 43,000 access lines which would be acquired by Citizens.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the proposed sale and transfer would occur pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement executed by U S WEST and Citizens Utilities Company (CUCo). Citizens is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUCo, and CUCo has assigned its rights and interests under the purchase agreement to Citizens. Pursuant to the agreement, U S WEST proposes to sell all of its telephone plant, contracts, books and records, FCC licenses and non-FCC authorizations related to its operations in the north Idaho exchanges to Citizens. The Application states that CUCo will sell electric, gas, water and wastewater utility assets to finance its telecommunication purchases from U S WEST. The Application also states that, to ensure a seamless transition for U S WEST customers, Citizens will adopt the applicable U S WEST rates and tariffs currently in effect for each exchange. Citizens currently provides local exchange and other telecommunications services in the west and south parts of the state of Idaho, including in the communities of White Bird, Riggins, McCall, Horseshoe Bend, Parma, Marsing, Fairfield, and Carey.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to intervene in this matter for the purpose of presenting evidence or cross-examining witnesses at hearing must file a Petition to Intervene with the Commission pursuant to this Commission’s Rules of Procedure 72 and 73, IDAPA 31.01.01.072 and -.073. Persons intending to participate at the hearing must file a Petition to Intervene on or before November 3, 1999. Persons desiring to present their views without parties’ rights of participation and cross-examination are not required to intervene and may present their comments without prior notification to the Commission or the parties. Petitions to Intervene shall be mailed to the Commission and the Applicants at the addresses reflected below:
COMMISSION SECRETARY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, ID 83702-5983 MARY S. HOBSON
STOEL RIVES LLP
SUITE 1900
101 S. CAPITOL BLVD
BOISE ID 83702-5958

MORGAN RICHARDS
MOFFATT THOMAS BARRETT
ROCK & FIELDS, CHT’D
101 S. CAPITOL BOULEVARD, 10TH FLOOR
BOISE, ID 83702
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all hearings will be conducted pursuant to the Rules of Procedure adopted by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application together with supporting workpapers, testimonies and exhibits, have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission’s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.

DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of October 1999.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary

vld/N:USW-T-99-25/CTC-T-99-2_ws

NOTICE OF JOINT APPLICATION
NOTICE OF RIGHT OF INTERVENTION 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
October 20, 1999