ORDER NO. 96-341

ENTERED DEC 31 1996

This is an electronic copy.

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

OF OREGON

UT 132

DISPOSITION: RATE SCHEDULES SUSPENDED; HEARING CANCELED

Rate Schedules Suspended

On May 29, 1996, GTE Northwest, Inc. filed tariff schedules in Advice No. 578 to be effective July 17, 1996. The terms of the proposed schedules were set forth in the Staff report dated July 9, 1996.

At its July 16, 1996, public meeting, the Commission found good and sufficient cause exists to investigate the propriety and reasonableness of the tariffs pursuant to ORS 759.180 and 759.185. The Commission ordered suspension of the advice pending that investigation. Order No. 96-184 was entered suspending Advice No. 578 for a six-month period of time from July 17, 1996.

The Commission will not have an opportunity to complete its investigation in this case prior to the expiration of the initial suspension period. Accordingly, the suspension is extended for an additional period not exceeding three months pursuant to ORS 759.185.

Notice of Cancellation of Hearing

This Order also serves as a cancellation of a hearing scheduled for January 8, 1997, at 9:30 a.m.

There are two reasons for canceling the hearing. First, arbitration proceedings and other matters have left insufficient time to adequately review the comments filed in this proceeding. Second, the hearing was scheduled at the suggestion of a party at the procedural conference. However, the purpose for the hearing is not clear. An evidentiary hearing appears to be unnecessary.

Any party requesting a hearing should file a motion with the Commission, stating the reasons why a hearing would be beneficial to a resolution of the issues presented in this proceeding. A copy of the motion should also be served on the other parties in this proceeding.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that Advice No. 578 filed by GTE Northwest, Inc., is suspended for an additional period of not more than three months beyond the last day of the initial suspension period set forth in Order No. 96-184.

Made, entered, and effective .

A party may request rehearing or reconsideration of this order pursuant to ORS 756.561. A request for rehearing or reconsideration must be filed with the Commission within 60 days of the date of this order. The request must comply with the requirements of OAR 860-14-095. A copy of any such request must also be served on each party to the proceeding as provided by OAR 860-13-070. A party may appeal this order to a court pursuant to ORS 756.580.