31-2101-0001_APAnotice_pend_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 PENDING RULE

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule has been adopted by the agency and is now pending review by the 2001 Idaho State Legislature for final adoption. The pending rule becomes final and effective at the conclusion of the legislative session, unless the rule is approved, rejected, amended or modified by concurrent resolution in accordance with Sections 67-5224 and 67-5291, Idaho Code. If the pending rule is approved, amended or modified by concurrent resolution, the rule becomes final and effective upon adoption of the concurrent resolution or upon the date specified in the concurrent resolution.

AUTHORITY: In compliance with Section 67-5224, Idaho Code, notice is hereby given that the Idaho Public Utilities Commission has adopted a pending rule. This action is authorized pursuant to Sections 61-302, 61-303, 61-503, and 61-507, Idaho Code.

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The following is a concise explanatory statement of the reasons for adopting the pending rule and a statement of any change between the text of the proposed rule and the text of the pending rule with an explanation of the reasons for the change.

The Commission received six comments regarding the rules, most generally supporting adoption of the proposed rules. Idaho Power Company did offer several suggestions to clarify language in the proposed rules (in particular Rules 107, 207 and 313). The Commission adopts these suggestions in its pending rules.

The Commission received two comments opposing a proposed change to Rule 201 that would require “monthly” billing instead of “regular” billing. Based upon these comments the Commission has withdrawn this proposed change but has retained the non-controversial proposed change regarding the address and toll-free telephone numbers for utilities. Three utility commentors also opposed changing Rules 310 that would have restricted utilities from disconnecting customers when their accounts were two months in arrears. Based upon these comments the Commission has withdrawn its proposed amendments to Rule 310.

Commentors also suggested that the Commission increase the maximum deposit amount (Rule 105); allow utilities to refuse service to a disconnected customer (Rule 303); and eliminate the requirement that utilities offer customers a “winter payment plan” (Rule 306). These suggestions go beyond the scope of the proposed rules and the public would not reasonably expect such changes would be adopted. Consequently, the Commission declines to adopt these suggestions pursuant to Section 67-5227, Idaho Code. The Commission’s General Order No. 208 issued November 13, 2000 discusses in greater detail the comments and the reasons for adopting the pending rules.

In light of the comments noted above, the proposed rules have been amended pursuant to Section 67-5227, Idaho Code. Only the sections that have changes are printed in this Bulletin. The original text of the proposed rule was published in the October 4, 2000, Idaho Administrative Bulletin, Vol. No. 00-100, pages 593 through 599.

ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS: For assistance on technical questions concerning this pending rule, contact Beverly Barker, Deputy Administrator, [phone].

DATED at Boise, Idaho this 15th day of November 2000.

Jean D. Jewell
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 W. Washington St. (83702-5983)
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Tele: [phone]
FAX: [phone]