ORDER NO. 96-240

ENTERED SEP 9 1996

THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC COPY

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

OF OREGON

UT 80

AR 316

DISPOSITION: ORDER NO. 96-107 AMENDED.

Introduction

In response to reduced service quality by U S WEST Communications, Inc. (USWC), this Commission recently terminated the utility’s alternative form of regulation (AFOR) plan. See Order No. 96-107. In terminating the plan, we adopted a stipulation signed by USWC and our Staff that outlined certain remedies to improve service quality. The stipulation, effective from May 1, 1996, through October 31, 1996, also included a provision that this Commission would commence a rulemaking to review utility service standards set forth in OAR 860-023-0055. The parties contemplated that the new service quality rules would be in effect prior to the termination of the stipulation.

We subsequently initiated rulemaking docket AR 316 to review utility service standards. The proposed rulemaking is complex and, if adopted, will impose new and more stringent standards on telecommunications utilities as we move into a competitive environment. In order to allow sufficient time for the industry to thoroughly consider the impacts of the rulemaking, USWC has agreed to extend the effective date of the stipulation adopted in Order No. 96-107. USWC, therefore, requests that Order No. 96-107 be amended to allow for the following change to Article VIII of the Stipulation:

The duration of this Stipulation shall be from May 1, 1996, to and including December 31, 1996. The provisions of this Stipulation are intended to cover orders for access lines and other eligible services that are submitted by customers to USWC during the period May 1, 1996, to and including December 31, 1996, except as otherwise provided in this Stipulation.

 

USWC also requests that the Commission approve a revised procedural schedule for AR 316, and set a new date for comments and a public meeting presentation.

On August 15, 1996, Staff filed a reply to USWC’s motion, recommending that it be granted.

Disposition

USWC’s petition for modification of Order No. 96-107 is granted. Article VIII of the stipulation contained therein is modified as indicated above. Furthermore, the second workshop, which had been set for August 12, 1996, will be held on September 10, 1996. At that time, a further procedural schedule will be adopted.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that Order No. 96-107 is modified to extend the effective date of the adopted stipulation from October 31, 1996, to December 31, 1996. The remainder of the order remains unchanged.

Made, entered, and effective _____________________________.

A party may request rehearing or reconsideration of this order pursuant to ORS 756.561. A party may appeal this order to a court pursuant to ORS 756.580.