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PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
October 9, 1997; 10:00 A.M.
State Capitol Building, Room 412
Pierre, South Dakota
NOTE: If you wish to join this meeting by conference call, please contact the Commission at 605-773-3201 by 5:00 p.m. on October 8, 1997.
NOTE: Notice is further given to persons with disabilities that this Commission meeting is being held in a physically accessible place. If you have special needs, please notify the Commission and we will make all necessary arrangements.
AGENDA OF THE COMMISSION MEETING
Administration
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The Commission Meeting Held On September 25, 1997. (Staff: Shirleen Fugitt.)
Consumer Affairs
1. Status Report On Consumer Utility Inquiries And Complaints Recently Received By The Commission. (Consumer Representative: Leni Healy.)
The Commission has received 1193 consumer contacts during 1997. 51 contacts have been received since the September 25, 1997, Commission meeting.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: 38 contacts involved telecommunications. 21 contacts involved the unauthorized switching of long distance service; 9 billing issues were raised; 3 consumers did not get service when requested; 2 disconnect issues were addressed; 2 payment plans were offered; and 1 contact related to poor service.
ELECTRICITY: 9 contacts involving electricity were reported. 6 contacts involved disconnections; 2 billing issues were raised; and 1 payment plan issue was reported.
NATURAL GAS: 4 contacts involving natural gas were reported. 3 contacts involved disconnections; and 1 payment plan issued was handled.
A total of 794 complaints have been resolved informally during 1997.
Electricity
On July 15, 1997, Northwestern Public Service filed tariff revisions with the Commission. "Sheet No. 21.1 and 21.2 are descriptive of Northwestern's new Extended Service Rider, Option L. Some of our large industrial customers expressed interest in developing long-term arrangements. Development of long-term relationships are to the benefit of the specific customer and to our system as a whole as the industry enters a more competitive environment."
TODAY, shall the Commission approve the proposed tariff?
Natural Gas
On April 2, 1997, the Commission received a complaint filed by Todd Schaufenbuel from Huron, South Dakota, against Northwestern Public Service. The Complainant indicates he had unusually high natural gas usage during the months of December and January. He wrote that he contacted Northwestern Public Service who conducted an on-site inspection but found nothing wrong. He further wrote that the company replaced his gas meter which resulted in a reduction of gas usage. The Complainant believes the gas meter was faulty and indicates he is willing to pay the company the amount of $150.00 for each of the months of December and January. A April 15, 1997, public meeting the Commission found probable cause in this matter. It now appears that a resolution has been reached.
TODAY, shall the Commission close this docket?
Telecommunications
On April 29, 1997, the Commission received an application by Associated Network Partner, Inc. (ANPI) for a Certificate of Authority to operate as a telecommunications company within the state of South Dakota. Applicant is requesting authorization to resell intraLATA and interLATA, intrastate, WATS and MTS type long distance services to retail providers, who will in turn resell those services to the public in equal access areas throughout the state. No interventions were filed.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant ANPI a Certificate of Authority?
On June 23, 1997, Kathy Rottenbucher, Newell, SD, filed a complaint with the Commission against Stateline Telecommunications, Inc. regarding an unpublished address. "I specifically requested and insisted on an unpublished address. Stateline furnished and provided U S WEST this information for [the] Northern Hills and Surrounding Areas....I want proof of written reprimands for all parties, I want proof they made changes to avoid future incidents, I want access to Board of Directors, and I want one thousand dollars for violation of trust, confidence, ... and for emotional and mental anguish and duress, and inconvenience." On July 29, 1997, the Commission found probable cause to move forward with this docket. On August 14, 1997, Stateline filed a motion to dismiss with the Commission.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant Stateline's motion to dismiss and close the docket?
On June 25, 1997, the Commission received an application by WorldCom Technologies, Inc. (WorldCom) for a Certificate of Authority to operate as a telecommunications company within the state of South Dakota. No interventions were filed.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant WorldCom a Certificate of Authority?
On July 9, 1997, Telco Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Dial & Save filed for a Certificate of Authority to operate as a telecommunications company within the state of South Dakota. "Petitioner proposes to provide 24-hour intrastate interexchange telecommunications services, 800 services, and postpaid debit travel card services....Telco Holdings, Inc. hereby adopts the tariff of Dial & Save which has been approved and is on file with the Commission." No parties have filed to intervene.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant Telco Holdings, Inc. a Certificate Of Authority?
On July 10, 1997, Telco Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Dial & Save filed for a Certificate Of Authority to operate as a telecommunications company within the state of South Dakota. "Telco proposes to provide resold local exchange service to subscribers from all points within the state of South Dakota and, therefore, seeks statewide authorization. Specifically, Telco seeks authority to resell local exchange service in the existing service areas of U S WEST....The specific manner in which Telco will provide local exchange service depends upon the result of negotiations with the incumbent local exchange carriers currently operating within the State." No parties have filed to intervene.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant a certificate of authority of Telco Holdings, Inc?
On August 15, 1997, USN Communications Long Distance, Inc. filed for a Certificate Of Authority to operate as a telecommunications company within the state of South Dakota. "Applicant seeks authority to offer a full range of 1+ interexchange telecommunications services on a resale basis. Specifically, Applicant seeks authority to provide MTS, out-WATS, in-WATS services, and Calling Card services. Applicant does not intend to provide operator services, 900 or 700 services." No parties have filed to intervene.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant a Certificate Of Authority to USN Communications Long Distance, Inc.?
On August 29, 1997, WorldCom Technologies, Inc. filed for a Certificate Of Authority to operate as a telecommunications company within the state of South Dakota. "WorldCom Technologies will provide the same services that WorldCom, Inc. and MFS Intelnet of South Dakota, Inc. currently provide, including MTS, WATS, 800, calling card and debit card services, all at the same rates, terms and conditions as are currently available, statewide. In the near future, WorldCom Technologies will also begin providing local exchange and exchange access services." No parties have filed to intervene.
TODAY, shall the Commission grant a Certificate Of Authority to WorldCom Technologies, Inc.?
8. IN THE MATTER OF EXCESSIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AGAINST TELEC, INC. FOR THE UNAUTHORIZED SWITCHING OF LONG DISTANCE SERVICE. (Consumer Representative: Leni Healy.)
At the September 9, 1997, Commission meeting a report was made concerning the large number of complaints against Telec, Inc. Emily Hampton of Telec, Inc. made statements to the Commission concerning Telec's past and future actions.
TODAY, Staff has an update on this issue.
9. IN THE MATTER OF EXCESSIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AGAINST DIALTEK, L.P. AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS OF AMERICA FOR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. (Consumer Representative: Leni Healy.)
During July and August, 42 consumers registered complaints against these companies for attempting to raise funds for the Children's Rights of America organization by making collect calls to consumers.
TODAY, Staff has an update on this issue.
Announcements
1. October 5-7, 1997, Commissioners and Staff will be attending the Regional Oversight Committee Meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota.
2. In observance of Native American's Day, the Commission Offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, 1997.
3. October 13-16, 1997, the Commissioners will be attending the NARUC meeting in St. Louis.
4. October 19-21, 1997, Commissioner Nelson will be attending a meeting/tour at Yucca Mountain.
5. October 22-23, 1997, Commissioner Burg will be attending the GRI meeting in Arlington, VA.
6. The next regularly scheduled Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, October 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 412 of the State Capitol Building.
_____________________
Sue Cichos
Business Manager
October 3, 1997
