31-2101-0001_APAnotice_dh.doc

IDAPA 31—IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

31.21.01—CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES FOR GAS, ELECTRIC
AND WATER UTILITIES REGULATED BY
THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
(THE UTILITY CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES)

DOCKET NO. 31-2101-0001

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE

AUTHORITY: In compliance with Section 67-5220(1), Idaho Code, notice is hereby given of the Public Utilities Commission’s proposed rulemaking. This action is authorized pursuant to Sections 61-302, 61-303, 61-503, 61-507, Idaho Code.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE: Public hearings concerning this rulemaking will be scheduled if requested in writing by twenty-five (25) persons, a political subdivision, or an agency, not later than October 18, 2000.

The hearing site will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for accommodation must be made not later than five (5) days prior to the hearing, to the Commission’s address set out below.

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The following is a non-technical explanation of the substance and purpose of the proposed rulemaking:

The Commission’s Utility Customer Relations Rules were last updated in 1993. The Commission is proposing several changes to these rules, some suggested by various utilities. First, the Commission is recommending the elimination of “guarantees” in lieu of service deposits. This change will mirror the elimination of guarantees in the Telephone Customer Relations Rules (IDAPA 31.41.01). Second, the Commission is recommending several changes to its utility billing Rule 201 including that bills be issued on a monthly basis and that utilities are required to list their mailing addresses and toll-free telephone numbers on the bills rather than merely the location of their nearest billing office. Third, the Commission would prohibit the billing for services or merchandise not ordered or otherwise authorized by the consumer and would specify how partial payments are to be applied to bills. Fourth, the notice procedures for terminating service are clarified and simplified. Fifth, the Commission proposes to eliminate reporting requirements of terminated service during winter months. Next, Rule 310.01 is modified to allow utilities to collect reasonable deposits rather than two (2) months’ usage as a minimum threshold billing. Finally, new Rule 404 requires utilities to respond within ten (10) business days to a customer’s informal complaint as is the case with telephone customer complaints.

FEE SUMMARY: There are no fees associated with this proposed rulemaking.

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING: Pursuant to IDAPA 04.11.01.0811, negotiated rulemaking was not conducted because several of the proposed changes were recommended by utilities.

ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS, SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN COMMENTS: For assistance on technical questions concerning the proposed rules, contact Beverly Barker, Consumer Section Supervisor at [phone]. Anyone may submit written comments regarding these proposed rules. All written comments concerning the proposed rules must be delivered to the Commission Secretary at the address identified below or must be postmarked on or before October 25, 2000. Persons desiring to comment are encouraged to submit written comments at their earliest convenience rather than waiting until the comment deadline.

DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of August 2000.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Street address for express delivery:
PO Box 83720 472 W Washington
Boise, ID 83720-0074 Boise, Idaho
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
TDD: [phone]