ORDER NO. 97-403

ENTERED OCT 13 1997

This is an electronic copy.

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION

OF OREGON

UW 56

DISPOSITION: INVESTIGATION OPENED

At the September 30, 1997, public meeting of the Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Commission Staff requested that the Commission open an investigation into the billing practices and operating procedures of Bumblebee Water Service, Bend, Oregon.

Bumblebee Water Service is a pubic utility under ORS 757.005. Staff has received several complaints about Bumblebee Water Service ranging from inadequate service to excessive monthly charges. Bumblebee Water Service may or may not be exempt from rate regulation under ORS 757.061. For Staff to make a determination of Bumblebee Water Service’s status, Bumblebee Water Service must provide Staff with certain financial information. Bumblebee Water Service has refused to provide such information. Staff therefore recommends that the Commission open an investigation pursuant to ORS 756.515.

CONCLUSIONS

ORS 756.515(1) provides as follows:

Whenever the Public Utility Commission believes that any rate may be unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory, or that any service is unsafe or inadequate, or is not afforded, or that an investigation of any matter relating to any public utility or telecommunications utility or other person should be made, or relating to any person to determine if such person is subject to the commission’s regulatory jurisdiction, the commission may on motion summarily investigate any such matter, with or without notice.

The Commission concludes that there is a basis under this statute to open an investigation into the Commission’s regulatory jurisdiction over Bumblebee Water Service and into the billing practices and operating procedures of Bumblebee Water Service.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that an investigation is opened regarding the Commission’s regulatory jurisdiction over Bumblebee Water Service and into the billing practices and operating procedures of Bumblebee Water Service.

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. The request must comply with the requirements of 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. A party may appeal this order to a court pursuant to ORS 756.580.