Farris_js_jh.doc

April 5, 2001

Gregory Farris
1923 E. Center
Pocatello, ID 83201

Dear Mr. Farris:

On Wednesday, April 4, 2001, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission held a decision meeting. One of the items on the agenda was the subject regarding Idaho Power office transitioning at Pocatello.

Staff did an informal investigation regarding the circumstances of the proposed changes. The results of this investigation were presented to the Commission at this meeting. Staff’s recommendation was to allow this proposal if Idaho Power took steps to improve the performance of its payment agents.

The Commission strongly stressed the importance for the payment agents to have signage advertising that payments are accepted and advising customers how their payments will be handled. Agent’s employees should be able to provide information regarding the processing of payments and what a customer should do if disconnection is eminent. Customers also need to be aware that payments made at the payment agent are not immediately credited to the account.

With the adequate signage and customer information at payment agent locations, the Commission’s decision is not to open a case regarding the transitioning of the Pocatello office.

Sincerely,

John R. Hammond
Deputy Attorney General

cc: Judy Stokes

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