PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
COMMISSION
Subject of Possible Rule Making: This rule making would consider changes to rules relating to price lists in light of SSB 6473, which eliminates the requirement that telecommunications companies file price lists. Rules that may be considered include WAC 480-80-030, 480-80-201 through 480-80-206, 480-80-241, 480-80-242, 480-120-021, 480-120-061, 480-120-102, 480-120-103, 480-120-122, 480-120-161, 480-120-171, 480-120-172, 480-120-196, 480-120-263, 480-120-264, 480-120-540, 480-120-560, 480-121-011, 480-121-018, and 480-121-020. The rule making is assigned Docket UT-060676.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 80.01.040(4), 80.04.160.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SSB 6473, chapter 347, Laws of 2006, eliminates price list requirements for telecommunications services. The new law takes effect on June 8, 2006. Compliance with SSB 6473 requires the utilities and transportation commission to examine its rules and modify any provisions that refer to price lists or are premised upon the filing requirement. It is expected that as a result of the new law the commission may amend and adopt rules that require companies to communicate with customers directly using a written contract or customer service agreement instead of using price lists. Additional rules may be necessary to govern waivers, if withdrawal of a price list would harm customers or competition, and opportunities for customers to accept ongoing offers when price lists are withdrawn.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other federal or state agencies regulate price lists for competitively classified telecommunications services.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and the commission will ask for initial comments, and will provide the opportunity for additional comments.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested persons may file comments with the Secretary, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 47250, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504-7250, phone (360) 664-1174, fax (360) 586-1150, by Friday, June 30, 2006.
WRITTEN COMMENTS: Written comments may be submitted to the commission at the address given above and should be filed with the commission no later than June 30, 2006.
Electronic copies. The commission requests that comments be provided in electronic format to enhance public access, for ease of providing comments, to reduce the need for paper copies, and to facilitate quotations from the comments. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to the commission's Records Center at records@wutc.wa.gov. Please include:
| • | The docket number of this proceeding (UT-060676). |
| • | The commenting party's name. |
| • | The title and date of the comment or comments. |
Opportunity for further comment is anticipated. Information about the schedule and other aspects of the rule making, including comments, will be posted on the commission's web site as it becomes available. If you wish to receive further information on this rule making you may (1) call the commission's record center at (360) 664-1234, (2) e-mail the commission at <records@wutc.wa.gov>, or (3) mail written comments to the address above to the attention of Carole J. Washburn, Secretary. When contacting the commission, please refer to Docket UT-060676 to ensure that you are placed on the appropriate service list. Questions may be addressed to Tom Wilson, (360) 664-1282 or e-mail at tomw@wutc.wa.gov.
May 3, 2006
Carole J. Washburn
Executive Secretary