20100201Request for Waiver Extension.pdf

~~:'V'STII.
Januar 28,2010 Idaho Public Utilties Commission
Office of the SecretaryREci;IVEO
Jean Jewell, Commission Secretary
State of Idaho
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Statehouse
Boise, ID 83720
JAN 28 2010
Boise, Idao
Re: AVU-E-07-09
Dear Ms. Jewell:
On April 25, 2008, Avista requested that the Commission approve a pilot program for
"Remote Disconnectleconnect" and requested that the Commission issue in its order
providing the Company with a limited waiver of IDAP A 31.21.01 (311.03) and (311.04)
(Utility Customer Relation Rules J for the term of the pilot. The pilot was intended to
implement a system for remote disconnection and reconnections, without the need for an
employee visit to the affected premises.
On July 30,2008, the Commission, in Order No. 30603 stated that "Upon the expiration
of the 18-month approved term for the pilot program, A vista shall prepare and file a
detailed report with the Commission documenting its findings and utilizing the data
identified in its Revised Application, as well as any other useful and relevant data which
could be used to assess the effectiveness of the remote disconnect and reconnect program
in reducing the Company s overall operating costs, enhancing employee safety or
improving the quality of service to its customers."
The 18-month pilot program is set to expire on January 30, 2010. Per the reporting
requirements of the pilot program, as detailed in the Company's filing and the
Commission Order No. 30603, Avista requests 90 days to complete and report on the
results of the pilot program. The Company intends to complete its study and fie it with
the Commission no later than April 30, 2010.
The Company will continue the terms of the pilot as the documentation in being
prepared, these terms include the limited waiver of the above mentioned rule for the
customers that are currently paricipating in the pilot and the 50% reduction in disconnect
fees until such time that the Commission has had the opportity to assess the
effectiveness of the remote disconnect and reconnect program.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please let me know or you can contact
Greg Paulsen at 509-495-4976.
Sincerely,
NUnda 6ervii
Linda Gervais
Manager, Regulatory Policy
State and Federal Regulation
A vista Utilities
509-495-4975
linda.gervais(iavistacorp .com