28381.ahg.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE AN APPROPRIATE COST MODEL USING FORWARD-LOOKING ECONOMIC COSTS FOR CALCULATING THE COSTS OF BASIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES IN IDAHO
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CASE NOS. GNR-T-97-22
GNR-T-00-2

AMENDED NOTICE
OF SCHEDULING

AMENDED NOTICE
OF HEARING

ORDER NO. 28381
IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION TO ESTABLISH THE IDAHO NON-RURAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND AS REQUIRED BY IDAHO CODE § 62-610A THROUGH F.
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On December 19, 1997, the Commission opened a docket to analyze cost models and adopt a forward-looking cost model as required by Idaho Code § 62-610F (Case No. GNR-T-97-22). On January 18, 2000, the Commission opened another docket (Case No. GNR-T-00-2) to establish and implement the new Idaho Non-Rural USF (now called the Idaho High Cost Fund) and consolidated it with GNR-T-97-22 for the purpose of hearing and scheduling. Order No. 28261.
According to the schedule adopted on January 18, 2000, reply testimony is due May 17, 2000. On May 12, 2000, AT&T filed extensive errata to its direct filed testimony. On May 15, 2000, U S WEST filed a Motion for Extension of Time to File Testimony, requesting it have until May 24, 2000, to file its reply testimony. On May 16, 2000, the Commission Staff filed comments indicating that neither the Commission Staff nor AT&T object to an extension provided all parties are also granted the same extension.
Commission Staff also suggested that because rebuttal testimony is due June 14, 2000, and the technical hearing is scheduled to begin August 1, 2000, if the Commission extends the date for filing reply testimony it also change the date for filing rebuttal testimony by two weeks, making it due June 28, 2000. Staff also suggested that the Commission move the hearing date to allow the Commission and all parties adequate time to prepare for the hearing.
The Commission finds that it is in the public interest to move the dates for filing the remaining testimony. This is a very important and complex case. The testimony that has been filed so far demonstrates that the issues need to be thoroughly reviewed and all parties should have an adequate opportunity to examine the other parties’ positions. It is clearly in the public interest that the Commission has a complete record upon which to deliberate. These cases will establish a new fund and impose additional surcharges on all telecommunications customers. Moreover, the Commission notes that several parties are seeking discovery and have recently filed motions with the Commission seeking discovery orders. Finally, with the change in filing deadlines, the Commission finds that the hearing date must also be moved to allow both the parties and the Commission to fully prepare for hearing.
Therefore, the Commission adopts the following amended schedule.

May 24, 2000
June 28, 2000
August 22-25, 2000 All parties file reply testimony.
All parties file rebuttal testimony.
Hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the hearing currently scheduled for August 1, 2000 is vacated and rescheduled to begin on AUGUST 22, 2000, AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE COMMISSION HEARING ROOM, 472 WEST WASHINGTON, BOISE, IDAHO, and continuing until completed.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to participate in this case for the purpose of receiving comments, testimony or any other documents filed by other persons or Commission Orders or further notices issued by the Commission in this case, must notify the Commission Secretary in writing that they desire to be placed on a service list to receive comments, Orders, and Notices in this proceeding. Persons desiring to participate in this case and remain on the service list must notify the Commission Secretary no later than fourteen (14) days from the service date of this Order. The Commission Secretary shall then publish a Notice of Parties.
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 all hearings and prehearing conferences in this matter will be held in facilities meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other assistance of the kind that the Commission is obligated to provide under the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in or to understand the testimony and argument at a public hearing may ask the Commission to provide a sign language interpreter or other assistance at the hearing. The request for assistance must be received at least five (5) working days before the hearing by contacting the Commission Secretary at:
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074
[phone] (TELEPHONE)
[phone] (TEXT TELEPHONE)
[phone] (FAX)

O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the schedule set forth in this Order shall control the processing of this case. The parties shall cooperate to expeditiously provide information regarding the cost models to each other in order to avoid delays in the completion of this case.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the hearing currently scheduled for August 1, 2000 is vacated and rescheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on August 22, 2000.

DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this
day of May 2000.

DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary

O:gnrt002-gnrt9722_cc3

AMENDED NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING
ORDER NO.  28381 -1-

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
May 17, 2000