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South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Meeting
Tuesday, November 3, 1998; 1:30 P.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 November 2, 1998.
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.
Gas and Electric
On October 22, 1998, Northwestern Public Service filed to revise its natural gas and electric tariff to incorporate changes to its customer bill. Northwestern Public Service has proposed to replace the logo on their customer bills with the new logo recently adopted. Minor wording changes on the bills have also been proposed in order to facilitate customer understanding of the bill.
TODAY, shall the Commission approve the tariff revisions?
TelecommunicationsOn August 25, 1998, the Commission received an application by First Call USA, Incorporated for a Certificate of Authority to provide intrastate telecommunications services in the State of South Dakota. First Call proposes to provide intrastate telecommunications services including long distance, operator assisted, in-bound 800 and travel card services within the geographic borders of the State of South Dakota."
TODAY, shall the Commission grant a Certificate Of Authority to First Call USA, Inc.?
On October 26, 1998, the Commission received a complaint by Debra Esche against U S WEST Communications, Inc. The Complainant describes frustration, effort and expenses caused by a delay in obtaining telephone service. The Complainant seeks the following relief: "require U S WEST to reimburse me for long distance calls and the time I spent dealing with this situation. Require U S WEST to provide brick type phones for all customers with delayed service. Require U S WEST to come up with a written policy that includes these items."
TODAY, does the Commission find probable cause of an unlawful or unreasonable act, rate, practice or omission to go forward with this complaint and serve it upon the Respondent?
On October 26, 1998, the Commission received a Complaint by Marvie Tschetter of Basec.net against U S WEST Communications, Inc. and FirsTel, Inc. The Complainant purchased an existing business and contacted U S WEST to continue customer access through T-1 lines. U S WEST informed the Complainant that Basec.net could not take over payment of the lines unless the previous owner's debt was paid in full. Basec.net decided to move the equipment and obtain services through FirsTel. After obtaining the services, Basec.net was informed by U S WEST that they would be charged for installation/construction fees, the old billings of the previous owner, and additional charges for monthly service until other options were available. Neither U S WEST nor FirsTel disclosed these costs prior to providing service. FirsTel offered a plan with minimal installation fees but could not offer the service for 15-20 days which would not allow Basec.net's customers access to their services. The Complainant seeks the following relief: "1) Require U S WEST to inform promptly of facilities issues. 2) Some sort of financial compensation for loss of revenue."
TODAY, does the Commission find probable cause of an unlawful or unreasonable act, rate, practice or omission to go forward with this complaint and serve it upon the Respondent?
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Sue Cichos
Deputy Executive Director
October 30, 1998
