28521.wrk.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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP

ORDER NO. 28521
IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION TO ESTABLISH THE IDAHO HIGH COST FUND AS REQUIRED BY IDAHO CODE § 62-610A THROUGH F.
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The Commission convened a prehearing conference in this case on September 18, 2000, for the purpose of discussing “alternatives to adoption of the FCC cost model, or any of the currently advocated cost models, as a means of complying with the legislature’s directive to establish a high-cost universal service fund” pursuant to Idaho Code § 62-610F. The Commission directed the parties to consider alternative methods for determining forward-looking costs that are simple, accessible and affordable, and satisfy the statutory requirements for a methodology that is specific, predictable and sufficient. Following a discussion, the parties informed the Commission that each party would provide a ranking of the wire centers in the state on a cost-basis as the first step in developing a simple approach to establishing a high-cost fund. The parties also represented to the Commission they will continue discussing an approach to establishing a high-cost fund, and will convene a workshop on October 13, 2000, in an effort to reach consensus on an alternative proposal to present to the Commission. Accordingly, the Commission issues this Order and Notice of Public Workshop.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission will convene an informal public workshop to allow the parties an opportunity to discuss and reach consensus on an alternative mechanism to determine forward-looking costs and establish a high-cost fund pursuant to Idaho Code § 62-610F. The workshop will commence at 9:30 A.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2000, IN THE COMMISSION’S HEARING ROOM, 472 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, BOISE, IDAHO.
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. In order to participate, understand testimony and argument at a public hearing, persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other assistance may ask the Commission to provide a sign language interpreter or other assistance as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 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, ID 83720-0074
[phone] (TELEPHONE)
[phone] (TEXT TELEPHONE)
[phone] (FAX)

O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that a public workshop will be convened as set forth above. No later than October 2, 2000, the parties will provide to each other party a list of wire centers in the state, ranked in order by cost of service, along with specific proposals for developing a high-cost fund without reliance on a cost model. The parties are directed to attempt to reach consensus on a methodology to determine forward looking costs and establish a high-cost fund pursuant to Idaho Code § 62-610F. The parties are also directed to discuss and establish a procedural schedule to present alternative methodologies for establishing a high-cost fund to the Commission, complete discovery and the prefiling of testimony, and to schedule a hearing.

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

DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP
ORDER NO. 28521 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
September 25, 2000