Crowe_pucfees_dh.doc

January 20, 2000

Via Facsimile (202-973-2891)

Thomas K. Crowe
Law Offices of Thomas K. Crowe, PC
2300 M Street, NW, Ste 800
Washington, D.C. 20037

Re: Heartline Communications Failure to Pay the Idaho 1998 and 1999 Regulatory Fee

Dear Mr. Crowe:

Enclosed for your review are copies of correspondence forwarded to Heartline Communications, Inc. regarding the nonpayment of its 1998 and 1999 annual regulatory fees to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. To date, the Commission or I have forwarded three letters to the Company seeking to collect its regulatory fees in the amount of $105.06 (including interest). As of this date, the Commission still has received neither the 1998 nor 1999 regulatory fee.

The Commission is preparing to issue an Order to Show Cause and schedule a show cause hearing for Heartline’s failure to pay its regulatory fees. The Company’s failure to pay its regulatory fee also subjects it to a daily civil penalty not to exceed $2,000. See Idaho Code §§ 61-1005 and 61-706. To avoid the show cause hearing and further legal action, the Commission must receive the past due regulatory fees no later than January 31, 2000.

If you have questions regarding this letter, you may contact the Commission’s financial support technician, Chris Maschmann, at [phone] or me at [phone]. The Company’s immediate attention to this matter is necessary to avoid the show cause hearing.

Sincerely,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

cc: Chris Maschmann

Vld/L:Crowe_dh