20200318Order_No_34602.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
March 18,2020
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN RE COVID-19 RESPONSE )CASE NO.GNR-U-20-01
)ORDER NO.34602
On Friday,March 13,2020,Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a Proclamation declaring a
state of emergency and providing directives to combat the spread of COVID-19,provide essential
services and limit public exposure.On March 16,2020,the President of the United States advised
that no more than 10 persons be gathered simultaneously.Given these public health and safety
concerns,the Idaho Public Utilities Commission finds,under Rule 13 of the Commission's Rules
of Procedure (IDAPA 31.01.01.13),it is neither practical nor in the public interest for utilities,
parties,and the public to adhere to certain Commission Rules that might otherwise foster in-person
contact.Consequently,until such time as an alternative order is issued,the Commission hereby
declares the following:
1.The Public Utilities Commission Office Will Remain Open.The Commission's
Office will remain open Monday through Friday,8 a.m.to 5 p.m.Our staff will do
everything they can to assist you.If you have business with the Commission,we
encourage you to utilize our online services at https://puc.idaho.gov/.or call (208)334
0300 for assistance.
2.Open Meetings and Hearings Will Be Conducted Telephonically/Virtually.In an
effort to avoid situations that would cause persons or parties to gather in unacceptable
numbers,live,in-person attendance at Commission decision meetings,public hearings,
technical hearings,and other proceedings is suspended.All such meetings will be
conducted telephonically and/or electronically.We encourage persons and parties to
mediation,settlement,workshops,and other Commission-related matters to also utilize
telephonic/electronic means to conduct meetings.See Rules 211 through 215;243;and
271 through 277.
3.Electronic Filing by Parties.The requirements of Rules 61 and 62 that a specified
number of copies of different pleadings be filed with the Commission is suspended.
Filings of applications and other pleadings with the Commission will be deemed timely
filed when the electronic submission is received by the Commission Secretary.See
ORDER NO.34602 1
Rule 14.02.Service between parties should also be accomplished electronically.
(Voluminousdiscovery-related documents,may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a
USB flash drive.)Notice to customers of a change in rates must still be accomplished
by a mailing.See Rule 125.
4.Electronic Service of Commission Notices and Orders.The Commission Secretary
has the discretion to serve all Commission notices and orders by electronic mail.See
Rule 16.01.Consequently,the Commission will be issuing all notices and orders by
electronic mail,with the EXCEPTION of any Summons or Complaint,which will
continue to be served by registered/certified mail.See Rule 16.01.
This order is effective upon issuance and will remain in effect until such time as the
Commission issues an alternative order further modifyingand/orremoving the suspension of these
Rules of Procedure.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise,Idaho this l]Ù
day of March 2020.
PAUL KJELLAN ER,PRESIDENT
KRI E RAPER,C SIONER
ERIC ANDERSON,COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
Diane Hanian
Commission Secretary
ORDER NO.34602 2