31-4101-0001_APAnotice_dh.doc

IDAPA 31—IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
31.41.01—CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES FOR TELEPHONE
CORPORATIONS PROVIDING LOCAL EXCHANGE OR INTRASTATE
MTS/WATS SERVICE IN IDAHO SUBJECT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE
REGULATION BY THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION UNDER
THE PUBLIC UTILITIES LAW OR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT
OF 1988 (THE TELEPHONE CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES)

DOCKET NO. 31-4101-0001

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE

AUTHORITY: In compliance with Section 67-5220(1), Idaho Code, notice is hereby given of the Public Utilities Commission’s proposed rulemaking. This action is authorized pursuant to Sections 61-502 and 61-601, Idaho Code.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE: A public hearing concerning this rulemaking will be scheduled only if requested in writing by twenty-five (25) persons, political subdivision, or an agency, no later than October 18, 2000. The hearing site will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for accommodations must be made no later than five (5) days prior to the hearing, to the Commission’s address set out below.

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The Commission is proposing several changes to its Telephone Customer Relations Rule. First, the Commission is proposing to modify Rule 107 to allow deposits to be credited to a customer’s account or refunded to the customer. The Commission is also proposing to simplify and clarify the procedures for terminating telephone service. Next, the Commission proposes to eliminate its rule governing the termination of local exchange service for unexplained or large long-distance usage. The Commission is also proposing to reduce the amount of time that telephone records be retained from five (5) years to two (2) years. Finally, the Commission is making other non-substantive changes to delete obsolete references.

FEE SUMMARY: There are no fees associated with this proposed rulemaking.

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING: Pursuant to IDAPA 04.11.01.0811, negotiated rulemaking was not conducted because several of the changes were recommended by utilities and the non-substantive nature of other changes.

ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS, SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN COMMENTS: For assistance on technical questions concerning the proposed rule, contact Beverly Barker, Deputy Administrator, [phone].

Anyone may submit written comments regarding these proposed rules. All written comments must be directed to the undersigned and must be delivered on or before October 25, 2000.

DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of August 2000.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Street address for express delivery:
PO Box 83720 472 W Washington
Boise, ID 83720-0074 Boise, Idaho
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]