28794.mod.doc

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF VERIZON NORTHWEST, INC. FOR A WAIVER FROM THE COMMISSION’S TELEPHONE CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES REGARDING PARTIAL PAYMENT APPLICATION.
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) CASE NO. VZN-T-01-8

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE

ORDER NO. 28794

On June 21, 2001, Verizon Northwest, Inc. filed its Petition, pursuant to Commission Rule of Procedure 53, requesting that the Commission waive the requirements contained in the Telephone Customer Relations Rules 306.06 and 312.03 regarding the allocation of retail customers’ partial payments. IDAPA 31.41.01.306.06 and 312.03.
Verizon contends that its billing system does not have the capability to accommodate customer requests to manually dictate partial payment allocations and thus does not strictly comply with Rule 312.03. In order to upgrade its billing system so that it complies with Rules 306.06 and 312.03 Verizon contends that it would have to expend approximately $51 million, which would cause the Company to suffer a substantial financial hardship. The Company also believes a waiver of these rules would not cause controversy amongst its customers, as it is aware of only two complaints filed to date mentioning the limitations of its billing system. Accordingly, Verizon requests that the Commission grant its Petition for a waiver of these rules for a period of two years. Verizon states that this waiver will allow it to continue allocating customers’ partial payments in the manner dictated by the current capabilities of its billing system. At the end of this two-year period, Verizon proposes to provide the Commission with a status report on the ability of its billing system to comply strictly with the requirements of Rules 312.03 and 306.06.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201 through -204. See also IDAPA 31.41.01.003.01 and .009.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this Application may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this Notice. The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments. Written comments concerning this application shall be mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the addresses reflected below:

COMMISSION SECRETARY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-0074

Street Address for Express Mail:

472 W WASHINGTON ST
BOISE, IDAHO 83720-5983 FRED LOGAN
DIRECTOR-REGULATORY & GOVT. AFFAIRS
VERIZON NORTHWEST, INC.
PO BOX 100
BEAVERTON, OREGON 97006

All comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this document.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments are received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal hearing.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application together with supporting workpapers, testimonies and exhibits, have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Commission offices.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission's jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.

O R D E R
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Verizon’s Petition be processed by Modified Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.201-204. Parties and persons interested in submitting written comments in this matter should do so no later than twenty-one (21) days from the service date of this Order.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this
day of July 2001.

PAUL KJELLANDER, PRESIDENT

MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER

DENNIS S. HANSEN, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

Jean D. Jewell
Commission Secretary

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 28794 1

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
July 31, 2001