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Home My WebLink About28095.docBEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC FILING AND PUBLISHING TECHNOLOGIES. ) ) ) ) ) ) CASE NO. GNRU991 NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 28095 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on March 31, 1999, the Commission initiated a proceeding to investigate the best manner of implementing electronic filing and publishing technologies in its operations. The Commission scheduled a public workshop and requested comments on several questions regarding format, procedure and types of documents to be filed. The request for comments and an invitation to attend a workshop on the subject was sent to all persons and firms on the Commission’s mailing lists. The workshop was held on April 21, 1999. Approximately 30 persons attended. Participants included utility representatives and Commission Staff. All of those in attendance were supportive of the concept and committed to implementing electronic filing and publishing. There were some concerns about legal issues, but there was general consensus for voluntary filing of tariffs and price lists initially, to be filed via the Internet in a PDF format. There was also agreement that at least one printed copy should continue to be on file at the Commission. Following the workshop, the Commission developed a proposal for implementation of electronic filing for tariffs and price lists. The proposal was mailed on May 28, 1999, to those in attendance at the Workshop requesting their feedback and suggestions. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that comments were received from Sprint, GST, MCI, United Water, PacifiCorp, Avista, Idaho Power and GTE, and have been reviewed and considered by the Commission. PROPOSAL YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that based on its review of the issues, the Commission proposes that electronic filing of tariffs and price lists will be available no later than September 30, 1999. The first step in electronic filings will be limited to tariffs and price lists. Electronic filings will be voluntary. A company wishing to file electronically will submit a current approved tariff or price list to be posted on the Commission Web Site. For companies filing changes electronically, one paper copy will still be required. The electronic filing will be submitted via the Internet in Adobe PDF format. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Web Site will be used as a model. A company wishing to file electronically will obtain one or more passwords allowing it access to a portion of the PUC Web Site. The filer will fill in a form similar to the example attached to this document and upload the changed pages or a new tariff or price list. Upon completion of a successful upload a printer friendly “receipt” with a unique code will be presented to the filer to verify that the filing has been completed and received by the PUC. The unique code will include the time and date. Stamped paper copies will also be available upon request. The uploaded filing will then be placed on the PUC Web Site under the heading Proposed Tariffs/Price Lists. Persons wishing to be notified of new filings will be notified by E-mail. After the tariff is approved or the price list becomes effective, the existing tariff or price list will be updated in a timely manner by the PUC Staff and placed under the Approved Tariff/Price List section on the Web Site. This section will include any necessary electronic stamps or signatures. The filer will be notified by E-mail that the tariff/price list has been approved. The Commission believes that its current computer system is adequate to accommodate this proposal. However, it is difficult to determine how many inquiries or uploads will be made at any given time. If the system becomes overloaded and slow, upgrades may be necessary. Utilities wishing to file electronically will need: An Internet Service Provider or ISP A Web browser (either Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer) Adobe Exchange Software (to create the PDF file format) A Login name and password to the IPUC web server User training and practice on how the system works YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission requests comments on the concept of a rule that would allow for electronic filing of all matters before the Commission and that the Commission Secretary be granted the authority to make exceptions or grant waivers to anyone unable to make electronic filings. YOU ARE FURTHER 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. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission intends to implement voluntary electronic filings of tariffs and price lists no later than September 30, 1999. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that following a review of participant responses, the Commission is now prepared to seek formal comment regarding electronic filing procedures for tariffs and price lists. Any person desiring to state a position on this matter 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 at the address 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, ID 83702-5983 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 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 Idaho Code §§ 61-305, 61-306, and 62-606. 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 the Commission has chosen to process this proceeding pursuant to Modified Procedure as set forth in Rules 201 through 204 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure , IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq. DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this day of July 1999. DENNIS S. HANSEN, PRESIDENT MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER PAUL KJELLANDER, COMMISSIONER ATTEST: Myrna J. Walters Commission Secretary vld/GNR-U-99-1_dh2 NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE ORDER NO. 28095 2