ORDER NO. 97-402

ENTERED OCT 13 1997

This is an electronic copy. Appendices not included.

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

OF OREGON

UM 825

DISPOSITION: PERMANENT SERVICE QUALITY REMEDIES ADOPTED; DOCKET CLOSED.

In Order No. 96-107, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (Commission) terminated an alternative form of regulation approved for U S WEST Communications, Inc. (USWC). The order also adopted a stipulation imposing remedies for service quality problems experienced by USWC customers relating to held orders for primary and additional access lines and delays in restoring access line service. The remedies were originally scheduled to expire on October 31, 1996, but were extended by Order No. 96-240.

In Order No. 96-339, the Commission further extended and modified the remedies approved in the stipulation. That order also initiated this investigation of USWC’s service quality. Although the remedies in Order No. 96-339 were slated to expire on March 31, 1997, USWC voluntarily extended the remedies for three additional quarters.

At the June 24, 1997, regular public meeting of the Commission, the Commission Staff recommended that USWC file a permanent tariff containing the service quality remedies previously approved. USWC thereafter filed Advice No. 1687, Transmittal No. 97-035 PL, proposing permanent remedies in accordance with Staff’s recommendation.

At the September 30, 1997, regular public meeting, the Commission approved a Staff recommendation to adopt Advice No. 1687, Transmittal No. 97-035 PL. A copy of the Staff report is attached to this order as Appendix A and incorporated by reference. Because of the decision to make the remedies permanent, there is no need to continue this investigation.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that:

1. The service quality remedies included in Advice No. 1687, Transmittal No. 97-035 PL, are fair and reasonable, and should be implemented on a permanent basis.
2. This investigation docket is closed.

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 service of this order and must comply with the requirements in OAR 860-014-0095. A copy of any such request must also be served on each party to the proceeding as provided by OAR 860-013-0070(2). A party may appeal this order to a court pursuant to ORS 756.580.