ORDER NO. 97-317

ENTERED AUG 15 1997

This is an electronic copy

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

OF OREGON

AR 325

DISPOSITION: EFFECTIVE DATE PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED; PROPOSED RULES WITHDRAWN

On June 10, 1997, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (Commission) filed with the Secretary of State a proposed rule that would update the Commission's rules that prescribe the Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) for Oregon telecommunications utilities. The update would adopt changes made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in October 1, 1996, with certain exceptions.

The notice stated that the proposed rules would go into effect on August 15, 1997, unless a hearing is requested by a ten or more persons or an association having not less than ten members. Upon receipt of sufficient requests for a hearing, the Commission is required to place a notice of the hearing in the Secretary of State’s bulletin. The hearing may not be held less than 14 days from the date of publication.

The Commission received timely requests for hearing from U S WEST Communications, Inc. (USWC), and the Oregon Telephone Association (OTA). USWC raised detailed concerns regarding the proposed exceptions to the October 1, 1996 version of the USOA. The OTA comments raise jurisdictional, as well as other concerns, regarding the rules.

The commenters' concerns will require considerable Staff and company time and expense to resolve. There is even the possibility of hearings to address some of the concerns. At this time, the Commission's staff resources are strained with the press of projects of far higher priority than adopting a new version of the USOA. As a result, we believe that this rulemaking should be abandoned.

IT IS ORDERED that the proposed amendments to OAR 860-027-0050 and OAR 860-034-0510 are withdrawn. This docket shall be closed.

Made, entered, and effective ____________________________.