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Home My WebLink Aboutbutler_cc.doc June 7, 1999 Representative Tom Butler House of Representatives, State of Oregon State Capitol Salem, OR 97310 RE: Request for Information Regarding EAS in Idaho Dear Representative Butler: In response to your questions, enclosed are copies of relevant Idaho Public Utilities Commission orders setting forth the factors this Commission considers in determining whether to grant requests for extended area service (EAS). As we discussed, the IPUC does not have specific administrative rules governing requests for EAS. No Idaho statute directly addresses such requests either. The IPUC does require at least 25 customers to petition for EAS before it normally considers imposing it. See Idaho Code § 61-612. I have enclosed a copy of the information required as found on our Internet website (www.puc.state.id.us). The IPUC has granted many EAS requests, but has also denied some. For example, with respect to the extension of EAS to Ontario, Oregon, Cambridge and Midvale exchanges, on October 27, 1997 the Commission decided it would consider those requests separately after it concluded consideration of the U S WEST exchanges. Moreover, because the establishment of an EAS to Ontario would cross a state boundary, the Commission cannot unilaterally grant the petition even after public hearing because it would require the concurrence of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission and ultimately approval of the Federal Communications Commission. Enclosed is a copy of the Commission’s 1990 decision in Case No MTB-T-90-7, Order No. 23827. Moreover, in 1995, the Commission denied a request from Whitebird and Riggins residents for EAS into Grangeville and Cottonwood, Idaho. Order No. 25857. Enclosed is a copy of that order. In short, EAS is a complicated issue for any Commission to address. There are always people who really want it, but there are also a significant group of customers who do not benefit as much from granting EAS. If I can be of further help, please do not hesitate to call me. Sincerely, Cheri C. Copsey Deputy Attorney General