27736.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITIONS FOR EXTENDED AREA SERVICE (EAS) BETWEEN RICHFIELD AND THE MAGIC VALLEY EAS REGION.
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CASE NO. GNR-T-97-4
ORDER TO VACATE TECHNICAL HEARING AND SCHEDULING INFORMATIONAL MEETING
ORDER NO.  27736
This case was initiated to consider requests from telephone customers in Richfield, Idaho for extended area service (EAS) between Richfield and the Magic Valley EAS region.  On September 1, 1998, the Commission issued a Notice of Hearing scheduling a technical hearing for September 21, 1998, in the Commission’s hearing room in Boise, Idaho.  The Notice also scheduled a public hearing for September 21, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. in the American Legion Hall in Richfield, Idaho.  Because additional time is required for the Commission Staff to obtain and analyze information regarding technical and financial issues related to implementing this EAS, the Commission issues this Order to vacate the 9:30 a.m. technical hearing in Boise.  In addition, although the hearing time for September 21, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. will be retained, the hearing in Richfield will be informational rather than a formal public hearing.
Due to scheduling and time constraints, and the need for additional technical information in regard to implementing EAS from Richfield to the Magic Valley Region, the Commission finds it reasonable and prudent to vacate the technical hearing scheduled in this case for September 21, 1998, at 9:30 a.m.  The Commission also finds it reasonable and appropriate for the Commission Staff to convene an informational meeting in Richfield on September 21, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. in the American Legion Hall, 215 East Nez Perce, Richfield, Idaho.  Representatives of the Commission Staff will attend the public hearing in Richfield to meet with customers to apprise them of the issues involved in implementing EAS.  Representatives of the telecommunications parties—U S WEST Communications and Gem State Utilities Corporation—are also invited to attend the informational meeting to respond to questions from the public.
O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the technical hearing in this case set for September 21, 1998, at 9:30 a.m. is vacated.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the hearing set for September 21, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. in the American Legion Hall, Richfield, Idaho, shall be an informational meeting and an opportunity for the Commission Staff and the parties’ representatives to meet with members of the public.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this                  day of September 1998.
                                                                                                                                      DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT
                                                                                           RALPH NELSON, COMMISSIONER

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/O:GNR-T-97-4.ws2
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Service Date
September 15, 1998