Supplemental Notice to WSR 03-17-100.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 01-12-053.

     Title of Rule: This supplemental proposal would revise references to chapter 480-04 WAC, Public access to information and documents, and references to repealed chapter 480-09 WAC, Procedure, with references to the new chapter 480-07 WAC, Procedure. In addition, the proposal would add language describing file naming conventions and organization to WAC 480-07-140(5) at WSR 03-17-100.

     Purpose: Update all other WACs in Title 480 with appropriate references to new chapter 480-07 WAC, and revised chapter 480-04 WAC.

     Other Identifying Information: Docket No. A-010648.

Action	WAC No.	Rule Title	Proposed Changes
Chapter 480-07 WAC, Procedural rules
New Chapter/ Section	480-07-140	Communicating with the commission.	Adds language describing file naming conventions and organization to WAC 480-07-140(5) at WSR 03-17-100.
Chapter 480-14 WAC, Motor carriers excluding household goods carriers and common carrier brokers
Amend	480-14-050	Reference to other chapters.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-14-190	Permanent common carrier permits.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-15 WAC, Household goods carriers
Amend	480-15-035	Exemptions from rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-080	How do I file documents with the commission?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-090	May I submit information to the commission confidentially?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-120	What rules apply to commission proceedings?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-310	May I comment on a decision to grant or deny temporary authority?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-350	Will my application be set for a hearing?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-440	What happens if my permit is suspended for cause?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-460	What happens if my permit is canceled for cause?	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-510	Changing commission-published tariffs.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-15-520	Procedure for filing individual carrier tariffs.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-30 WAC, Auto transportation companies
Amend	480-30-032	Notice of application; protests; contemporaneous applications.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-31 WAC, Private, nonprofit transportation providers
Amend	480-31-090	Passenger complaints and disputes.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-51 WAC, Commercial ferries
Amend	480-51-040	Notice of application -- Protests--Contemporaneous applications.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-51-050	Waiver of ten-mile restriction.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-51-060	Temporary certificates.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-51-120	Failure to initiate service -- Extensions of time to initiate service -- Progress reports.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-60 WAC, Railroad companies -- Clearances
Amend	480-60-012	Contacting the commission.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC, and updates reference to chapter 480-04 WAC.
Amend	480-60-014	Rules of practice and procedure.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-60-020	Exemptions.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-62 WAC, Railroad companies -- Operations
Amend	480-62-140	Exemptions from rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-62-145	Commission proceedings.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-66 WAC, Railroad companies -- Sanitation
Amend	480-66-120	Contacting the commission.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC, and updates reference to chapter 480-04 WAC.
Amend	480-66-140	Rules of practice and procedure.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-66-150	Exemptions from rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-66-160	Filing a complaint.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-70 WAC, Solid waste and/or refuse collection companies
Amend	480-70-036	Rules of practice and procedure.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-051	Exemptions from rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-106	Certificates, application docket, protests, and intervention.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-131	Certificates, temporary.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-231	Tariffs, general.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-256	Tariffs, rejection.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-339	Tariffs, suspension by the commission.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-70-386	Complaints.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-75 WAC, Petroleum pipeline companies
Amend	480-75-260	Exemption for rules in chapter 480-75 WAC.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-80 WAC, Utilities general -- Tariff
Amend	480-80-010	Application of rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-80-015	Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-80 WAC.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-80-105	Tariff filing instructions.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-80-142	Special contracts for telecommunications companies not classified as competitive.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-80-143	Special contracts for gas, electric, and water companies.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-80-241	Filing contracts for services classified as competitive.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-90 WAC, Gas companies -- Operations
Amend	480-90-003	Application of rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-90-008	Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-90 WAC.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-90-123	Refusal of service.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-90-173	Gas utility's responsibility for complaints and disputes.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-92 WAC, Low-level radioactive waste
Amend	480-92-060	Minimum filing requirements.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-92-090	Site operator responsibility for complaints and disputes.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-100 WAC, Electric companies
Amend	480-100-003	Application of rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-100-008	Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-100 WAC.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-100-123	Refusal of service.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-100-173	Electric utility responsibility for complaints and disputes.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-110 WAC, Water companies
Amend	480-110-215	Exemptions from rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-110-295	Adopted and initial tariffs.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-110-385	Water company responsibility for complaints and disputes.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-120 WAC, Telephone companies
Amend	480-120-011	Application of rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-120-015	Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-120 WAC.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-120-166	Commission-referred complaints.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-120-305	Streamlined filing requirements for Class B telecommunications company rate increases.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-120-560	Collocation.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-121 WAC, Registration, competitive classification and price lists of telecommunications companies
Amend	480-121-011	Application of rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-121-015	Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-121 WAC.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-121-061	General requirements to classify a telecommunications company as competitive or to classify a service provided by a telecommunications company as competitive.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Chapter 480-140 WAC, Commercial general -- Budgets
Amend	480-140-015	Exemptions from rules.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.
Amend	480-140-080	Confidentiality provision.	Updates reference to reflect the recodification of the procedural rules into chapter 480-07 WAC.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, and 81.04.160.

     Summary: See Explanation of Rule below.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Dennis J. Moss, Senior Review Judge, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1164; Implementation and Enforcement: Carole J. Washburn, Secretary, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1174.

     Name of Proponent: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposal would amend certain sections in chapters 480-14, 480-15, 480-30, 480-31, 480-51, 480-60, 480-62, 480-66, 480-70, 480-75, 480-80, 480-90, 480-92, 480-100, 480-110, 480-120, 480-121, and 480-140 WAC to reflect references to revised chapter 480-04 WAC, and to the commission's procedural rules in new chapter 480-07 WAC. In addition, the proposal would add language describing file naming conventions and organization to WAC 480-07-140(5) proposal at WSR 03-17-100.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Explanation and Other Identifying Information above.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule revisions update internal WAC references to new and revised rules. Because there will not be any increase in cost resulting from the proposed rules, an SBEIS is not required.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The commission is not an agency to which RCW 34.05.328 applies. The proposed rules are not significant legislative rules of the sort referenced in RCW 34.05.328(5).

     Hearing Location: Commission Hearing Room 206, Second Floor, Chandler Plaza Building, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, on November 12, 2003, at 1:30 p.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact

Mary DeYoung by November 7, 2003, TDD (360) 586-8203 or (360) 664-1133.

     Submit Written Comments to: Carole J. Washburn, Secretary, P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504 or e-mail <records@wutc.wa.gov>, fax (360) 586-1150, by October 22, 2003. Please include Docket No. A-010648 in your communication.

     Date of Intended Adoption: November 12, 2003.

October 1, 2003

C. Robert Wallis

for Carole J. Washburn

Executive Secretary

     (a) In rulemaking proceedings, WAC 480-07-143 and Part II of this chapter.

     (b) In adjudicative proceedings, WAC 480-07-145 and Part III of this chapter.

     (c) For public records requests, chapter 42.17 RCW and chapter 480-04 WAC.

     (2) Content of letters and electronic mail messages to the commission. Letters and electronic mail messages to the commission should include only one subject.

     (3) Where to send letters and electronic mail messages. WAC 480-07-125 includes the commission's mailing address and other contact information current at the time of rule publication. Persons who communicate with the commission are encouraged to do so by electronic mail to the Commission's records center. The commission's internet site includes current and additional contact information.

     (4) Identification of sender; Identification of permit, license, or certificate; Identification of proceeding.

     (a) Identification of sender. All persons who communicate with the commission must provide their name and a mailing address, and are asked to provide telephone, facsimile, and electronic mail address to assist the commission in responding. Persons who communicate with the commission on behalf of a business, organization, or other entity must state their name and title or position, the name of the entity on whose behalf the communication is sent, in addition to the contact information described above.

     (b) Identification of permit, license, or certificate held by sender. Any person or entity that holds a commission-issued permit, license, or certificate must identify the permit, license, or certificate number (if any), including the exact name under which the authority is held, when communicating with the commission concerning the permit, license, or certificate.

     (c) Identification of proceeding. Persons who communicate with the commission concerning a formal commission proceeding (e.g., rulemaking or adjudication) must identify the proceeding to the best of their ability, including the docket number and name of the proceeding, if known.

     (5) Electronic file format requirements.

     (a) Acceptable media. Electronic submissions may be provided by electronic mail (e-mail) file attachment addressed to the commission's records center, or submitted to the records center on a 3 1/2 inch IBM formatted high-density disk or compact disc (CD). The submission must be labeled with the docket number of the proceeding, the name of the party submitting the document, and a description of the contents (e.g., "direct evidence," "motion to dismiss," etc) and the date filed.

     (b) Acceptable format. The commission prefers to receive electronic documents in Word or WordPerfect file format supplemented by a copy in Adobe Acrobat (i.e., .pdf) file format created directly from the word processing software used for the original document. Parties that cannot create Adobe Acrobat files directly are requested to provide a copy of the document converted to Adobe Acrobat via scanning or other available technology.

     (c) File naming conventions. Electronic files must be named in a way that describes the file contents. Parties should use the format identified in the following examples, identifying the docket number, the nature of the document, and the party submitting it:

Testimony	UE-010101 Smith direct
	(name of party) (date)
	UT-020202 Jones rebuttal attachment 1
	(name of party) (date)
Motions	UG-030303 motion to dismiss
	(name of party) (date)
	UW-040404 answer to motion to dismiss
	(name of party) (date)
Correspondence	TG-010203 (name of party) request for continuance (date)

     (d) Acceptable organization. Each party must submit all files to meet a single deadline at the same time and in the same message or diskette. When a party submits two or more files at the same time, the files must be organized into folders, and the party must provide an index in its cover letter or an additional document, and in an additional electronic file.

     Example:

Folder and diskette	I. U-020304 (Name of party)
name	Direct Evidence (Date)
Subfolders	A. U-020304 (Name of party) (name of witness) Direct (date)
	B. U-020304 (Name of party) (name of witness) Direct (date)
Files	1. U-020304 (Name of witness) Direct (name of party) (date)
	2. U-020304 (Name of witness) Direct Att 1 (name of party) (date)

[]

OTS-6672.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R-435, Docket No. TV-941290, filed 11/22/95, effective 12/23/95)

WAC 480-14-050   Reference to other chapters.   (1) Procedure. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the commission's rules relating to procedure, chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC, shall govern the administrative practice and procedure in and before the commission in proceedings involving motor freight carriers.

     (2) Communications. Except as provided in chapter 480-04 WAC, all written communications and documents should be addressed to the secretary, Washington utilities and transportation commission, at the headquarters office of the commission at Olympia, Washington, and not to individual members of the commission staff.

     (a) Except as provided in chapter 480-04 WAC, all communications and documents are deemed to be officially received only when delivered at the office of the secretary.

     (b) In addressing communications to the commission each permit holder must use the name shown upon its permit and indicate permit number.

     (c) Except as provided in WAC ((480-09-120)) 480-07-143, 480-07-145, and 480-14-420, receipt in the commission's telefacsimile machine does not constitute filing with the commission.

     (3) Documents -- When filed. Except as provided in chapter 480-04 WAC, all petitions, complaints, applications for common carrier permits or extensions, or any other matter required to be served upon or filed with the Washington utilities and transportation commission shall be served or filed upon the commission at its headquarters office as shown in WAC 480-04-030, upon the secretary of the commission. Except as provided in chapter 480-04 WAC, any petition, complaint, application, or other matter required to be served upon or filed with the commission shall not be considered served or filed until it is received at the headquarters office of the commission at Olympia, Washington.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 34.05.350. 95-24-001 (Order R-435, Docket No. TV-941290), § 480-14-050, filed 11/22/95, effective 12/23/95.]

     (2) A common carrier permit shall be issued to any applicant satisfying the following requirements:

     (a) Filing an application satisfying the requirements of WAC 480-14-180.

     (b) Filing, or causing to be filed, insurance in accordance with the requirements of WAC 480-14-250.

     (c) Passing a safety fitness review of the applicant's knowledge and ability to conform with the motor carrier safety and/or hazardous materials regulations. The safety fitness review may be waived if the applicant can furnish a copy of a U.S. Department of Transportation "satisfactory" safety rating issued within twenty-four months before the date of the application. The commission may require an on-site safety compliance review to satisfy the safety fitness review requirements prior to issuing any permit.

     (3) An application may be dismissed for failure to complete needed steps and it may be dismissed, denied, or granted in part based upon the satisfactory compliance with this chapter. The applicant may request a review of dismissal or full or partial denial through a brief adjudicative proceeding, pursuant to WAC ((480-09-500)) 480-07-610.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 34.05.350. 95-24-001 (Order R-435, Docket No. TV-941290), § 480-14-190, filed 11/22/95, effective 12/23/95.]

OTS-6673.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending General Order No. R-471, Docket No. TV-991559, filed 6/27/00, effective 7/28/00)

WAC 480-15-035   Exemptions from rules.   (1) The commission may grant an exemption of any rule in this chapter when doing so is consistent with the public interest, the purposes underlying regulation, and applicable statutes.

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a company must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought and giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if needed, and schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the company requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date the commission will consider the request.

     (4) The commission will issue an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.04.250, 81.28.040, 81.80.090, 81.80.120, 81.80.130, 81.80.290, 81.80.211, and 80.01.040. 00-14-010 (General Order No. R-471, Docket No. TV-991559), § 480-15-035, filed 6/27/00, effective 7/28/00.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-080, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

     (1) Information other than complaints. The commission will limit access to information that is identified as confidential and is submitted under the provisions of WAC ((480-09-015)) 480-07-160. Copies of this rule are available upon request.

     (2) Complaints and rule violations. If you fear for your safety when reporting a complaint for rule violation then, at your request, we will keep your name and address confidential. We require that you sign and submit a form specifying that you fear for your safety if your name and address are made public. Please note, however, that it is difficult to investigate complaints regarding a specific shipment if we are unable to release the name of the shipper, as carrier records are often kept by shipper name and address.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-090, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-120, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

     (2) Anyone having an interest in an application appearing on the docket may file written comments within ten days following publication. Comments may be in the form of statements supporting or protesting the grant of authority or application. Comments must include your full name, address, telephone number, fax number, and permit number, if applicable. Comments must state the nature of your support or protest and address the following issues: Fitness, public interest, levels of service, business practices, safety, and/or operation of equipment.

     (3) We may grant or deny a protest without a hearing. We may, at our own discretion, hold a brief adjudicative proceeding on a protest. Rules governing applications and procedures for brief adjudicative proceedings are in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-310, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-350, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

     (2) Contest of suspension. You may contest the suspension of your permit by requesting a hearing or brief adjudicative proceeding. The procedures for such hearings are contained in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

     (3) Reinstatement of permit. We will lift the suspension of your permit after you correct all conditions leading to the suspension.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-440, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

     (2) Contest of cancellation. You may contest the cancellation of your permit by requesting a hearing or brief adjudicative proceeding. The procedures for such hearings are contained in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

     (3) Reinstatement of permit. If you correct all conditions that led to the cancellation of your permit, you may apply for reinstatement of your permit.

     (a) To reinstate your permit within thirty days of cancellation, you must file an application for reinstatement and pay the applicable reinstatement fees.

     (b) If you file an application for reinstatement after thirty days of cancellation, your application will be considered in all aspects to be an application for new authority, and will be subject to all terms and conditions specified in WAC 480-15-240 for new entrants.

     (4) Small business, reinstatement of permit. If you are a small business as defined in WAC 480-15-020, and you correct all conditions that led to the cancellation of your permit, you may apply for reinstatement of your permit.

     (a) To reinstate your permit within sixty days of cancellation, you must file an application for reinstatement and pay the applicable reinstatement fees.

     (b) If you file an application for reinstatement after sixty days of cancellation, your application will be considered in all aspects to be an application for new authority, and will be subject to all terms and conditions specified in WAC 480-15-240 for new entrants.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-460, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

     (2) How do I propose changes to the tariff? All proposed changes must be sent to the commission's mailing address and must:

     (a) Be in writing;

     (b) Identify the rates, rules, or classifications to be changed;

     (c) Fully describe the proposed change;

     (d) State clearly the reason(s) for the proposed change;

     (e) Include any information or documents that justify the proposed change (the person proposing the change must prove the change is just and reasonable); and

     (f) Identify the name, address, title, telephone number, permit number and fax number (if any) of the person we should contact regarding the proposal.

     (3) How does the commission consider proposals for tariff changes? When we receive a proposed tariff change we:

     (a) Assign a docket number;

     (b) Schedule each docketed proposal for tariff change for consideration at one of our regularly scheduled open public meetings. The commission may approve the proposed changes, or suspend them and set them for hearing;

     (c) Notify you and other interested persons of the date when we will consider the tariff change; and

     (d) Process each application for tariff change under the procedures set forth in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

     (4) When do approved changes become effective? Changes we approve are not effective until we publish and distribute a revised tariff page. We will identify the effective date of the change on the revised page.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-510, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

     (a) A cover letter requesting permission from us to publish and file an individual tariff. The letter must describe the reasons you believe permission should be granted. Your letter should state the reasons you believe it is impractical for us to publish a tariff for the commodities or services contained in your proposed tariff.

     (b) Two copies of your proposed tariff. Your proposed tariff must comply with the tariff drafting standards in chapter 480-149 WAC (Tariff Circular No. 6). You may request a copy of chapter 480-149 WAC from our records management section. The proposed tariff must contain all rates, charges, and rules you will be using if we grant you permission to publish and file an individual tariff.

     (c) Data showing that the rates and charges contained in the proposed tariff are fair, just, reasonable, and sufficient.

     (2) How are individual carrier filed tariffs processed?

     (a) We review individual carrier filed tariffs:

     (i) For compliance with laws and rules relating to content and format;

     (ii) To ensure rates are fair, just, reasonable, and sufficient; and

     (iii) For reasonableness and accuracy.

     (b) If tariffs are incomplete or do not comply with laws and rules, staff will discuss the issues with the carrier and require that corrected tariffs be filed.

     (c) When an individual carrier filed tariff is approved, the commission will issue an order stating the date on which the rates become effective. One copy of the tariff marked "approved" will be returned with the order.

     (3) How does the commission consider proposals to amend individual carrier filed tariffs? When we receive your proposed tariff amendment we will:

     (a) Assign a docket number;

     (b) Schedule each proposed tariff amendment for consideration at one of our regularly scheduled open public meetings. The commission may approve the proposed amendment, or suspend them and set them for hearing;

     (c) Notify you and other interested persons of the date when we will consider the tariff proposed amendment;

     (d) Process your proposed tariff amendment under the procedures established in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC; and

     (e) Notify you of the disposition of your proposed tariff amendment. If the filing is approved, we will notify you of the date upon which the tariff amendment becomes effective.

     (4) What happens if I don't charge the rates and charges in my tariff? You are subject to administrative action (see WAC 480-15-130(3)) if you charge rates or charges different from those contained in your tariff.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 99-01-077 (Order R-454, Docket No. TV-971477), § 480-15-520, filed 12/15/98, effective 1/15/99.]

OTS-6674.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R-415, Docket No. TC-940123, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94)

WAC 480-30-032   Notice of application; protests; contemporaneous applications.   (1) Notice shall be made of the filing of applications for authority to provide auto transportation service in identified territory by sending notice of the application, with a description of its terms, to all persons presently authorized to provide auto transportation service under this chapter in the territory of the application, all present applicants for such service, and any other person who has requested, in writing, to receive such notices. Interested persons shall have twenty days from the date of mailing of the notice in which to file a protest with the commission stating opposition to the application. Protests should set forth specifically the grounds on which they are made and contain a concise statement of the interest of the protestant in the proceeding. Any person who is eligible to file a protest to an application but fails to do so, absent a showing of good cause, is precluded from participating in any hearing upon the application or in any further stage of the proceeding.

     (2) If any person wishes to seek authority which overlaps, in whole or in part, that sought in any pending application, it must apply for that authority within thirty days after the mailing of the notice of filing of the initial application in order for the applications to be considered jointly by the commission. During the thirty-day period, pending applications will be on file and available for inspection in the commission headquarters office in Olympia.

     (3) The commission may consolidate overlapping pending applications, pursuant to WAC ((480-09-610)) 480-07-320, for joint consideration.

     (4) Overlapping applications which are not filed within thirty days after mailing of the notice of filing of the initial application will not be jointly considered with the initial application and will not be decided until after the conclusion of proceedings resolving the pending application and any other application which qualifies for joint consideration.

     (5) The commission may consider and decide, on any schedule, portions of an overlapping application when:

     (a) The portions to be heard do not overlap a prior pending application; and

     (b) The overlapping portions may appropriately be severed from the portions to be heard.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 94-11-021 (Order R-415, Docket No. TC-940123), § 480-30-032, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 81.04.160 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 91-22-034 (Order R-351, Docket No. A-910835), § 480-30-032, filed 10/30/91, effective 11/30/91.]

OTS-6675.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R-440, Docket No. TC 961102, filed 3/27/97, effective 4/27/97)

WAC 480-31-090   Passenger complaints and disputes.   Any complaint or dispute involving a passenger and a provider for which the commission has jurisdiction must be treated in the following manner:

     (1) Each complaint or dispute received by a provider from a passenger must be investigated promptly as required by the particular case, and the results reported to the passenger. When the circumstances indicate the need for corrective action, such action must be taken as soon as possible.

     (2) Each provider must ensure that personnel engaged in initial contact with a dissatisfied or complaining passenger will inform the passenger that if dissatisfied with the decision or explanation provided, the passenger has the right to have the problem considered and acted upon by supervisory personnel. The passenger must be provided with the name or department of such supervisory personnel and a telephone number by which they can be reached.

     (3) Each provider must ensure that supervisory personnel contacted by a dissatisfied passenger will inform a still-dissatisfied passenger of the availability of the commission for further review of any complaint or dispute. The telephone number and address of the commission must also be provided.

     (4) All parties to a dispute between a passenger and the provider have the right to bring before the commission an informal complaint pursuant to the provisions of WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910 and/or a formal complaint pursuant to the provisions of WAC ((480-09-420)) 480-07-370.

     (5) When a complaint is referred to a provider by the commission, the provider must, within two business days, report the results of any investigation made regarding the complaint to the commission and must keep the commission currently informed as to progress made with respect to the solution of, and final disposition of, the complaint. If warranted in a particular case, the provider may request an extension of time.

     (6) Records - each provider must keep a record of all complaints concerning its service or rates. The record must show at least the name and address of the complainant, the nature and date of the complaint, action taken, and the final disposition of the complaint. Such records must be maintained in a suitable place readily available for commission review and will be provided to the commission upon request.

     All written complaints made to a provider must be acknowledged within five business days. Correspondence and records of complaints must be retained by the provider for a minimum period of one year.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and chapter 80.01 RCW. 97-08-037 (Order R-440, Docket No. TC 961102), § 480-31-090, filed 3/27/97, effective 4/27/97.]

OTS-6676.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R-435, Docket No. TS-941485, filed 10/18/95, effective 11/18/95)

WAC 480-51-040   Notice of application -- Protests -- Contemporaneous applications.   (1) The commission shall send a notice of each application for certificated commercial ferry service and each application to operate vessels providing excursion service, with a description of the terms of that application, to all persons presently certificated to provide service; all present applicants for certificates to provide service; the department of transportation; affected cities and counties; and any other person who has requested, in writing, to receive such notices. Interested persons may file a protest with the commission within thirty days after service of the notice. The protest shall state the specific grounds for opposing the application and contain a concise statement of the interest of the protestant in the proceeding. A person who is eligible to file a protest and fails to do so may not participate further in the proceeding in any way, unless it can be demonstrated that failure to file a protest was due to an omission by the commission in providing proper notification of the pending application.

     (2) If any person wishes to seek authority which overlaps, in whole or in part, with that sought in any pending application, it must apply for that authority within thirty days following mailing of the notice of filing of the initial application in order for the applications to be considered jointly. During the thirty-day period, pending applications will be on file and available for inspection in the commission's headquarters office in Olympia.

     (3) The commission may consolidate overlapping pending applications, pursuant to WAC ((480-09-610)) 480-07-320, for joint consideration.

     (4) Overlapping applications which are not filed within thirty days of the initial application will not be jointly considered with the initial application and will not be decided until after the conclusion of proceedings resolving the initial application and any other application qualifying for joint consideration.

     (5) The commission may consider and decide, on any schedule, portions of an overlapping application when:

     (a) The portions to be heard do not overlap a prior pending application; and

     (b) The overlapping portions may appropriately be severed from the portions to be heard.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.84.070, 1993 c 427, 1995 c 361 and RCW 80.01.040(4). 95-22-001 (Order R-435, Docket No. TS-941485), § 480-51-040, filed 10/18/95, effective 11/18/95.]

     (2) Notice -- Protests. The commission shall send a notice of each application for waiver of the ten-mile restriction pursuant to WAC 480-51-030. Interested persons shall have twenty days from the date of mailing of the notice in which to file a protest with the commission stating opposition to the waiver petition and application. Protests should set forth specifically the grounds upon which they are made and contain a concise statement of the interest of the protestant in the proceeding.

     (3) Standards. In determining whether to grant or deny a waiver, the commission shall consider, but is not limited to, the impact of the waiver on:

     (a) Transportation congestion mitigation;

     (b) Air quality improvement; and

     (c) The Washington state ferry system.

     (4) Resolution -- Hearing. The commission shall act upon a request for a waiver of the ten-mile restriction within ninety days after the conclusion of the hearing. The commission may in its discretion separate the request for a waiver of the ten-mile restriction from other issues in the application when necessary to comply with the statutory ninety-day deadline.

     (5) Effective period of waiver.

     (a) A waiver granted to an applicant or certificate holder under RCW 47.60.010(3) shall be effective for a period of five years from the date of grant of the waiver.

     (b) Pursuant to RCW 47.60.010(3), the waiver shall automatically become permanent unless appealed to the commission, or unless reviewed by the commission upon its own motion, no later than thirty days after the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the waiver as set forth in (a) of this subsection. The commission will issue no notice of the expiration date of the five-year period. The burden of proof to show that the waiver should not become permanent shall be upon the party who files the appeal or upon the commission, if the review is on the commission's own motion. Persons who may appeal include the department of transportation, affected cities and counties, and any interested party. An interested party, for the purposes of this rule, means any party to the proceeding in which the application was granted, any person certificated to provide service possessing overlapping authority, and any applicant for overlapping authority.

     (c) Upon receipt of an appeal of a waiver and the holder's answer, if any, the commission shall set the matter for adjudication. The commission may, in its discretion, on the request of a party, or on its own motion, order a brief adjudicative proceeding on the appeal. WAC ((480-09-500)) 480-07-610 governs applications for and procedures in brief adjudicative proceedings.

     (6) Certificates containing waiver. Certificates granted in conjunction with the grant of a waiver shall include the following proviso:

"Pursuant to RCW 47.60.010(3), the waiver of the ten-mile restriction granted in this certificate is effective until (DATE). This waiver shall become permanent if not appealed within thirty days after this date."

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.84.070, 1993 c 427, 1995 c 361 and RCW 80.01.040(4). 95-22-001 (Order R-435, Docket No. TS-941485), § 480-51-050, filed 10/18/95, effective 11/18/95.]

     (2) The commission shall not issue a temporary certificate to operate on a route for which a certificate has been issued or for which an application is pending.

     (3) The commission shall only issue temporary certificates upon finding that the issuance is due to an urgent and immediate need and is otherwise consistent with the public interest. In determining whether to grant the requested temporary certificate, the commission will consider evidence of the following factors:

     (a) An immediate and urgent need for the requested service;

     (b) Any available service capable of meeting the need;

     (c) The fitness of the applicant; and

     (d) Any other circumstance indicating that a grant of temporary authority is consistent with the public interest.

     (4) An application for a temporary certificate shall be completed legibly on a form furnished by the commission, giving all information requested and accompanied by:

     (a) The application fee;

     (b) A copy of a certificate or letter from the United States Coast Guard certifying that any vessel to be used under that temporary certificate has been inspected by the United States Coast Guard and is safe and seaworthy for the intended operation;

     (c) Evidence of proper insurance as required by WAC 480-51-070;

     (d) Statements from potential customers, riders, shippers or interested parties demonstrating that there is an immediate and urgent need for the requested service.

     (5) The commission shall send a notice of each temporary certificate granted, with a description of the temporary certificate's terms, to all persons presently certificated to provide service; all present applicants for certificates to provide service; the department of transportation; affected cities and counties; and any other person who has requested, in writing, to receive such notices. Interested persons may file a protest with the commission within twenty days after service of the notice. The protest shall state the specific grounds for opposing the application and contain a statement of the interest of the protestant in the proceeding.

     (6) The commission may grant or deny the protest without hearing. The commission may, in its discretion, on the application of a party, or on its own motion, order a brief adjudicative proceeding on the protest. WAC ((480-09-500)) 480-07-610 governs applications for and procedures in brief adjudicative proceedings.

     (7) The commission may impose special terms and conditions in connection with the grant of any temporary certificate.

     (8) If the holder of temporary authority files a valid application for parallel permanent certificated authority within thirty days after the grant of temporary authority, that temporary authority shall continue in force until the commission grants or denies the application for the permanent certificate authority, or until the temporary certificate is otherwise cancelled pursuant to law, whichever occurs first.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.84.070, 1993 c 427, 1995 c 361 and RCW 80.01.040(4). 95-22-001 (Order R-435, Docket No. TS-941485), § 480-51-060, filed 10/18/95, effective 11/18/95.]

     (a) If a certificate holder has not initiated service to all or any portion of the route or routes granted in its certificate, the certificate holder must, during the first five years after obtaining the certificate, and during each twelve-month extension period granted by the commission, file written progress reports with the commission every six months after the certificate is granted.

     (b) For purposes of these rules the following definitions shall apply:

     (i) The term "portion of a route or routes" means service to any named point or points along a route, and service between two or more points named in a certificated commercial ferry certificate; and

     (ii) The term "initiating service" means providing regular, ongoing service to all points and between all points granted in a certificated commercial ferry certificate.

     (c) Progress reports must include a statement of progress toward overcoming impediments to initiating service, including, but not limited to, the following information: The progress of environmental impact, parking, local government land use, docking, and financial considerations, the purchase or lease of a vessel or vessels, hiring of employees, advertising, and the ability to handle proposed traffic.

     (2) Extensions of time to initiate service.

     (a) If a certificate holder has not initiated all or any portion of the route or routes granted in its certificate during the first five years after obtaining the certificate, the certificate holder may petition the commission to extend the certificate on a twelve-month basis for up to three years.

     (b) If a certificate holder obtained its certificate prior to July 25, 1993, and is not providing service on all or any portion of the route or routes granted in its certificate during the first five years after obtaining its certificate, and has not initiated service during the three-year extension period discussed above in (a) of this subsection, the certificate holder may petition the commission to extend its certificate on a twelve-month basis for up to an additional two years.

     (c) The term "providing service" means operating to all points and between all points granted in a certificate by the commission. In determining whether a certificated commercial ferry which operates in on-call service, such as launch service or service to flag stops, is providing service, the commission shall consider whether the certificated commercial ferry is ready, willing, and able to provide the service when requested, and makes a reasonable effort to obtain traffic.

     (d) For purposes of these rules, the term "not providing service on all or any portion of the route or routes" does not include:

     (i) Service discontinued by grant of the commission under WAC 480-51-130; or

     (ii) Temporary interruptions of regular service reported promptly to the commission in accordance with WAC 480-51-140.

     (e) In determining whether to grant an extension of time in which to initiate service, the commission will consider whether:

     (i) The certificate holder has submitted timely progress reports during the first five years after obtaining the certificate and during any extension period; and

     (ii) The progress reports indicate significant advancement toward initiating service.

     (3) Failure to initiate service. Certificates, or portions thereof, are subject to cancellation, alteration or amendment by the commission under the provisions of RCW 81.84.060(1) if:

     (a) A certificate holder has not initiated all or a portion of the route or routes granted in its certificate during the first five years after obtaining its certificate, and has not submitted timely progress reports to the commission as required in RCW 81.84.010(2);

     (b) The commission has denied a certificate holder's request for an extension of time to initiate service and the certificate holder has not initiated service within thirty days of the denial; or

     (c) A certificate holder has not initiated all or a portion of the route or routes granted before the expiration of any extensions of time to initiate service, and the certificate holder has not timely filed for an additional extension.

     (4) Petitions for extension of time to initiate service.

     (a) A certificate holder must file a petition with the commission seeking an extension of time to initiate service no later than ninety days prior to:

     (i) The date upon which the five-year period following the grant of the certificate expires; or

     (ii) The date upon which the current twelve-month extension period expires.

     (b) Petitions for extension of time to initiate service shall be legibly prepared on forms to be furnished by the commission, giving all information requested.

     (c) The commission may grant or deny petitions for extension without hearing. The grant or denial of extensions will be issued by letter of the secretary of the commission. A certificate holder aggrieved by the denial of an extension petition may seek review of the denial by filing a request for review of the decision within twenty days after service of the letter notifying the certificate holder of the denial. Within thirty days after receipt of the request for review, the commission shall schedule an adjudicative proceeding, and provide at least twenty days notice of the proceeding to the certificate holder requesting review. The commission may, in its own discretion, on the request of the aggrieved certificate holder, or on its own motion, order a brief adjudicative proceeding on the petition. WAC ((480-09-500)) 480-07-610 governs applications for and procedures in brief adjudicative proceedings.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.84.070, 1993 c 427, 1995 c 361 and RCW 80.01.040(4). 95-22-001 (Order R-435, Docket No. TS-941485), § 480-51-120, filed 10/18/95, effective 11/18/95.]

OTS-6677.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00)

WAC 480-60-012   Contacting the commission.   You may contact the commission in writing, in person, by telephone, by e-mail, or by facsimile. The commission's location, mailing address, e-mail address and telefax number are found in WAC ((480-09-100)) 480-07-125. The commission's internet home page address is found in WAC ((480-04-050)) 480-04-035.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-60-012, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-60-014, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00.]

     (2) Where restricted clearances are unavoidable, the following moves are allowed without requesting an exemption from the commission:

     (a) The movement of material over tracks when the material is needed for the construction or maintenance of the tracks;

     (b) The movement of special work equipment used in the construction, maintenance or operation of the railroad;

     (c) Movements during periods of actual emergency due to wrecks, derailments, washouts and like conditions;

     (d) All movements authorized in this subsection may be made only after all reasonable steps are taken to provide for the safety of all who could be harmed by the move.

     (3) The commission may grant an exemption of any rule in this chapter, if consistent with the public interest, the purposes underlying regulation, and applicable statutes.

     (4) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, and giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

     (5) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if needed, and schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date the commission will consider the request.

     (6) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request, or setting it for hearing pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

     (7) Logging railroads, or any operation directly incident to logging, now subject to the provisions of the safety standards for logging operations in chapter 296-54 WAC, published by the division of safety of the department of labor and industries of the state of Washington, are exempted from these rules.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-60-020, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00; Order R-5, § 480-60-020, filed 6/6/69, effective 10/9/69.]

OTS-6678.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. TR-981102, General Order No. R-477, filed 1/30/01, effective 3/2/01)

WAC 480-62-140   Exemptions from rules.   (1) The commission may grant an exemption from the provision of any rule in this chapter, when doing so in chapter 480-62 WAC is consistent with the public interest, the purposes underlying regulation, and applicable statutes.

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other affected persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardships imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purposes of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.04.160, 81.24.010, 81.28.010, 81.28.290, 81.40.110, 81.44.010, 81.44.020, 81.44.101-81.44.105, and chapters 81.48, 81.53, 81.54, 81.60, and 81.61 RCW. 01-04-026 (Docket No. TR-981102, General Order No. R-477), § 480-62-140, filed 1/30/01, effective 3/2/01.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.04.160, 81.24.010, 81.28.010, 81.28.290, 81.40.110, 81.44.010, 81.44.020, 81.44.101-81.44.105, and chapters 81.48, 81.53, 81.54, 81.60, and 81.61 RCW. 01-04-026 (Docket No. TR-981102, General Order No. R-477), § 480-62-145, filed 1/30/01, effective 3/2/01.]

OTS-6679.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00)

WAC 480-66-120   Contacting the commission.   You may contact the commission in writing, in person, by telephone, by e-mail, or by facsimile.

     The commission's location, mailing address, e-mail address, and telefax numbers are found in WAC ((480-09-100)) 480-07-125. The commission's Internet home page address is found in WAC ((480-04-050)) 480-040-035.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-66-120, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-66-140, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, and giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if needed, and schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date the commission will consider the request.

     (4) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request, or setting it for hearing pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-66-150, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160 and 80.01.040. 00-04-011 (Order No. R-469, Docket No. TR-981101), § 480-66-160, filed 1/21/00, effective 2/21/00.]

OTS-6680.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01)

WAC 480-70-036   Rules of practice and procedure.   Commission rules governing administrative practices and procedures are in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC. If a rule in this chapter conflicts with a rule in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC, the rule in this chapter applies. Copies of chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC are available on request to the commission records center.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-036, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason for requesting the exemption.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardships imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purpose of the rule.

     (5) The commission will issue an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-051, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (a) New authority;

     (b) Extension of existing authority;

     (c) Transfer of authority;

     (d) Lease of authority; and

     (e) Reinstatement of authority when a city discontinues self-hauling or contracting for solid waste collection.

     (2) Protests. A certificate holder may file a protest to an application on the docket. A solid waste collection organization, association, or conference may file a protest on behalf of existing certificate holders, specifying the names of the persons or companies in whose interest the protest is filed.

     (a) Form of protests. Protests must:

     (i) Be filed within thirty days of the date the commission mailed the application docket notice;

     (ii) Be filed according to the provisions of WAC ((480-09-420)) 480-07-370;

     (iii) Specify the reasons for protest; and

     (iv) Specify the protestant's interest in the proceeding.

     (b) Failure to file protest on time. A person who is eligible to file a protest but fails to do so within the thirty-day protest period may not in any way participate further in the proceeding, unless that person can show that the commission did not provide proper notice of the pending application.

     (3) Intervention. Any person, other than the applicant and protestants to an application, who desires to appear and participate, and who does not desire to broaden the issues of the proceeding, may petition in writing to be an intervenor. Refer to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC for information on intervention.

     (4) Applications not subject to the docket and protest provisions of this rule. This rule does not apply to:

     (a) Applications to reinstate a certificate canceled for cause under the provisions of WAC 480-70-166, when those applications are filed within thirty days of the cancellation date;

     (b) Applications for expedited temporary authority;

     (c) Applications for temporary certificated authority;

     (d) Applications for name change; or

     (e) Applications to mortgage a certificate.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-106, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (2) Public interest. The commission may grant a temporary certificate after determining that granting the requested authority is consistent with the public interest. In determining if the requested temporary authority is consistent with the public interest, the commission will consider factors including, but not limited to:

     (a) The fitness of the applicant.

     (b) The immediate or urgent need for the requested service due to circumstances such as, but not limited to:

     (i) An emergency rendering it impossible for the existing company to provide service;

     (ii) Commission action suspending or canceling the authority of the existing company; or

     (iii) Lack of service.

     (c) Whether the requested service is currently available from an existing company serving the territory; and

     (d) Any other circumstances indicating that a grant of temporary authority is consistent with the public interest.

     (3) Shipper support statements required. Applicants for temporary certificates must include signed and sworn support statements from one or more potential customers identifying all pertinent facts relating to need for the proposed service.

     (4) Commission investigation of applications. Before granting or denying an application for temporary authority, the commission will conduct an investigation to examine the facts relating to the need for the proposed service.

     (5) Special terms, conditions, and limitations. The commission may impose special terms, conditions, and limitations in connection with the grant of any temporary certificate. For example, the commission may limit temporary authority to provide service to only those commercial customers whose support statements are submitted with an application.

     (6) Length of service allowed under temporary certificate. The commission may issue a temporary certificate effective for a period:

     (a) Of up to one hundred eighty days when the area or service territory is not contained in another company's certificate;

     (b) Of up to one hundred twenty days when the area or service territory is contained in another company's certificate; or

     (c) That continues until the commission grants, denies, or dismisses a parallel certificate application for permanent authority, or until the temporary certificate is otherwise canceled, whichever happens first. The permanent certificate application must be filed within thirty days of the temporary certificate application or within thirty days of the order granting the temporary certificate.

     (7) Docketing. The commission will publish the following on its application docket:

     (a) Temporary certificates granted, including any terms and conditions attached to the grant of such authorities; and

     (b) A list of all applications for temporary certificated authority that the commission considered and denied.

     (8) Protests. An existing company may file a protest opposing a temporary certificate, if the area or service territory granted is contained in the existing company's certificate. A solid waste collection organization, association, or conference may file a protest on behalf of existing companies, specifying the names of the individuals or companies in whose interests the protest is filed. Protests must:

     (a) Be filed with the commission in writing within twenty days after the date the commission mails the application docket;

     (b) Contain a statement of the specific grounds on which the protest is made;

     (c) Contain a statement of the protestant's interest in the proceeding;

     (d) Be served on the applicant; and

     (e) Be served on the applicant's representative, if one is stated in the notice.

     (9) Disposition of protests. The commission may grant or deny a protest without hearing.

     (10) Brief adjudicative proceedings. The commission may order a brief adjudicative proceeding on its own motion or at the request of a party.

     (11) Intervention. Any person, other than the applicant and protestants to an application, who desires to appear and participate, and who does not desire to broaden the issues of the proceeding, may petition in writing to be an intervenor. Refer to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC for information on intervention.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-131, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (2) Additional regulatory requirements. Companies are also subject to additional rules regarding rate filings contained in chapter ((480-09 WAC, including, but not limited to:

     (a) WAC 480-09-015 - Submission of "confidential" information;

     (b) WAC 480-09-101 - When communications are received;

     (c) WAC 480-09-120 - Filing and service by telefacsimile; and

     (d) WAC 480-09-300 through 480-09-335 - Filing requirements)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-231, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (1) Do not contain all required information, including, but not limited to, that required by WAC ((480-09-300 through 480-09-335)) 480-07-520;

     (2) Do not comply with format rules;

     (3) Are not accompanied by required maps;

     (4) Reflect retroactive rate treatment;

     (5) Are not filed in accordance with the notice requirements shown in WAC 480-70-261 through 480-70-276; or

     (6) Contain provisions that conflict with state statutes or commission rules.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-256, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (2) The commission will not take action to suspend a tariff, or any part of a tariff, based on a complaint or protest unless the complaint or protest is filed in compliance with the commission's rules of practice and procedure as set out in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-339, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

     (a) Complaints from customer. When a company receives a complaint from a customer or an applicant for service, it must:

     (i) Acknowledge the complaint;

     (ii) Investigate promptly;

     (iii) Report the results of the investigation to the complainant;

     (iv) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as appropriate under the circumstances;

     (v) Inform the complainant that the decision may be appealed to a higher level representative of the company, if any;

     (vi) Inform the complainant, if still dissatisfied after speaking with the higher level representative, of the commission's availability for review of the complaint; and

     (vii) Provide the complainant with the commission's address and toll-free telephone number.

     (b) Complaint referred by commission. When commission consumer affairs staff refer an informal complaint to the company, the company must:

     (i) Investigate and report the results to the commission consumer affairs staff within two business days (the commission consumer affairs staff may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint if requested and warranted);

     (ii) Keep the commission consumer affairs staff informed of progress toward the solution; and

     (iii) Inform the commission consumer affairs staff of the final result.

     (c) Complaint record. A company must keep a record of all complaints concerning service or rates for at least one year. The record of complaints and rates must be made readily available for commission review. The record must contain:

     (i) The complainant's name and address;

     (ii) Date and nature of the complaint;

     (iii) Action taken; and

     (iv) Final result.

     (2) Complaints to commission. Applicants, customers, or their representatives may file with the commission either:

     (a) An informal complaint against the company under the provisions of WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910; or

     (b) A formal complaint against the company under the provisions of WAC ((480-09-500)) 480-07-370.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 81.04.160, 81.77.030 and 80.01.040. 01-08-012 (Docket No. TG-990161, General Order No. R-479), § 480-70-386, filed 3/23/01, effective 4/23/01.]

OTS-6681.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. TO-000712, General Order No. R-500, filed 8/26/02, effective 9/26/02)

WAC 480-75-260   Exemption for rules in chapter 480-75 WAC.   (1) The commission may grant an exemption from the provisions of any rule in this chapter if consistent with the public interest, with the purposes underlying regulation, and with applicable statutes.

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason for the exemption.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardship imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purpose of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request, or setting it for hearing pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 02-18-032 (Docket No. TO-000712, General Order No. R-500), § 480-75-260, filed 8/26/02, effective 9/26/02.]

OTS-6682.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02)

WAC 480-80-010   Application of rules.   (1) The rules in this chapter apply to any public service company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission as to rates and services under the provisions of Title 80 RCW.

     (2) The tariffs, price lists, and contracts filed by public service companies must conform with these rules. If the commission accepts a tariff, price list, or contract that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance does not constitute a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-80-015 (Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-80 WAC). Tariffs, price lists, or contracts that conflict with these rules without approval are superseded by these rules.

     (3) Any affected person may ask the commission to review the interpretation of these rules by a public service company or customer by posing an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910 (Informal complaints), or by filing a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420 (Pleadings and briefs -- Applications for authority -- Protests))) 480-07-370 (Pleadings -- General).

     (4) No deviation from these rules is permitted without written authorization by the commission. Violations will be subject to penalties as provided by law.

     (5) Any tariff, price list, or contract on file and in effect or pending on the effective date of these rules is not required to be refiled to comply with these rules.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.180. 02-11-081 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498), § 480-80-010, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.04.160 and 80.01.040. 01-09-002 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-481), § 480-80-010, filed 4/4/01, effective 5/5/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 85-20-003 (Order R-238, Cause No. U-85-44), § 480-80-010, filed 9/19/85; Order R-5, § 480-80-010, filed 6/6/69, effective 10/9/69.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason for requesting the exemption.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other affected persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardship imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purposes of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

     (6) Competitive telecommunications companies previously granted exemptions from chapter 480-80 WAC Utilities general -- Tariffs, price lists, and contracts, are not exempt from Part I and Part III of this chapter. Exemptions from the provisions of chapter 480-80 WAC include only the provisions in effect at the time the exemption was granted. This subsection confirms that there is no change in exemptions previously granted to telecommunications companies that have been classified as competitive as a result of:

     (a) Moving rules between chapters 480-80 and 480-120 WAC; and

     (b) Renumbering sections within chapters 480-80 and 480-120 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.180. 02-11-081 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498), § 480-80-015, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02.]

     (a) Comply with statutory notice requirements;

     (b) Specify the requested effective date of the tariff sheet;

     (c) Include an original and two copies of each tariff sheet unless it is filed electronically; and

     (d) Be accompanied by a transmittal letter as set forth in WAC 480-80-104.

     (2) Tariff filings must comply with the requirements set forth in chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC, where applicable.

     (3) The tariff filing must include information sufficient to determine that the proposed tariff is fair, just, and reasonable.

     (4) Tariff symbols. Each time a tariff sheet(s) is revised, a utility must code all changes with the tariff symbol that best reflects the purpose and effect of the change. A utility:

     (a) Must locate the symbols on the right hand side of the changed text directly across from the change;

     (b) Must use the following list of symbols to signify:

     D - discontinued rate, service, regulation, or condition;

     N - new rate, service, regulation, condition, or sheet;

     I - a rate increase;

     R - a rate reduction;

     C - changed condition or regulation;

     K - that material has been transferred to another sheet in the tariff. (A footnote is required on the tariff sheet to identify the material's new sheet number);

     M - that material has been transferred from another sheet in the tariff. (A footnote is required on the tariff sheet to identify the material's former sheet number);

     T - a change in text for clarification;

     O - no change. (This symbol is discretionary unless specifically requested by the commission); and

     (c) May use additional symbols for other purposes when it has identified the symbols in its tariff as provided for in WAC 480-80-102(3).

     (5) A utility must not give effect to revised tariff sheets until the commission approves the tariff filing by issuing an order or the new or changed provisions become effective by operation of law.

     (6) When a tariff sheet(s) becomes effective, the commission will return one copy of the transmittal letter and one copy of each tariff sheet to the utility marked with the receipt date.

     (7) The commission may require a utility to refile the tariff in its entirety should circumstances warrant it.

     (8) If the commission issues an order directing a utility to refile all or a portion of its tariff, the utility must refile, marking each affected sheet with the docket number.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.180. 02-11-081 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498), § 480-80-105, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02.]

     (a) All contracts for retail sale to end-use customers of intrastate telecommunications services not classified as competitive that:

     (i) State rates, charges, prices, terms, or conditions that are not consistent with any existing tariff; or

     (ii) Provide for telecommunications services not specifically addressed in the existing tariffs.

     (b) Any significant modification of a previously executed contract will be treated as a new contract.

     (c) A service order made pursuant to a filed contract is not itself a contract or contract amendment and need not be filed with the commission.

     (2) Duration. All contracts must be for a stated time period.

     (3) Ratemaking disclaimer. Unless otherwise provided by the commission, approval of contracts will not be determinative with respect to the expenses and revenues of the company for subsequent ratemaking considerations.

     (4) Types of telecommunications contracts. The following types of telecommunications contracts have special or unique features, effective dates, and requirements:

     (a) Federal, state, and local government "firm bid" contracts are governed under subsection (5) of this section.

     (b) School, library, and rural health care (RHC) provider contracts entered into pursuant to 47 CFR, Part 54, are governed under subsection (6) of this section.

     (c) All other retail contracts are governed under subsection (7) of this section.

SUMMARY COMPARISON OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RETAIL CONTRACTS
Subsection	Contract Type	When to File	Effective Date
(5)	Federal, State, and Local Firm Bid	no later than fifteen days after acceptance	when filed or later as specified
(6)	47 CFR Part 54; Schools, Libraries, and RHCs	no later than fifteen days after acceptance	when filed or later as specified
(7)	All other retail contracts	no later than thirty days prior to the proposed effective date	at least thirty days after filing

     (5) Federal, state, and local government "firm bid" contracts - filing requirements and effective dates. Where a government agency asserts its authority to solicit a firm offer of services, and a contract subject to this section is submitted in response to that solicitation, the noncompetitive telecommunications company must file the contract with the commission no later than fifteen days after acceptance. The filing must include the same documentation as required for approval by subsection (7)(b) of this section and, if applicable, subsection (8) of this section. The contract will become effective at the time specified in the contract, but not earlier than when filed with the commission.

     (6) School, library, and RHC provider contracts - filing requirements and effective dates. A telecommunications company that enters into a contract to provide service to a school, library, or RHC provider, as part of the federal universal service program, must file the contract with the commission no later than fifteen days after acceptance by the administrator of the federal universal service program. The filing must include the same documentation as required for approval by subsection (7)(b) of this section and, if applicable, subsection (8) of this section. The contract will become effective at the time specified in the contract, but not earlier than when filed with the commission.

     (7) All other retail contracts - standard filing requirements and effective dates.

     (a) Contracts must be filed with the commission not less than thirty days before the proposed effective date of the contract.

     (b) Each application filed for commission approval of a contract must:

     (i) Include a complete copy of the proposed contract;

     (ii) Show that the contract meets the requirements of RCW 80.36.170 (Prohibiting unreasonable preference) and RCW 80.36.180 (Prohibiting rate discrimination);

     (iii) Demonstrate, at a minimum, that the contract charges cover the company's cost of providing the service. Costs will be determined under a long-run incremental cost analysis, including as part of the incremental cost, the price charged by the offering company to other telecommunications companies for any essential function used to provide the service, or any other commission-approved cost method.

     (iv) Summarize the basis of the charge(s) proposed in the contract and explain the derivation of the proposed charge(s) including all cost computations involved; and

     (v) Indicate the basis for using a contract rather than a filed tariff for the specific service involved.

     (c) Contracts will become effective on the effective date stated on the contract or thirty days after the filing date, whichever occurs later, unless suspended or rejected by the commission. The commission may approve an earlier effective date if requested by the company, in which event the contract shall not become effective on a date that precedes commission approval. A request for an earlier effective date must include a complete explanation of why an earlier effective date is appropriate.

     (8) Confidentiality. Filings under this section may be submitted with portions designated "confidential" pursuant to WAC ((480-09-015)) 480-07-160. However, any filing that designates as "confidential" the essential terms and conditions will be rejected by the commission as not in compliance with the public inspection requirement of RCW 80.36.150(1). Essential terms and conditions are:

     (a) Nature, characteristics, and quantity of the service provided;

     (b) Duration of the contract, including the stated effective date, ending date, and any options to renew;

     (c) Charge(s) for service, including minimum charge provisions; and

     (d) Geographic location(s), such as exchange or city, where service will be provided.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.180. 02-11-081 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498), § 480-80-142, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02.]

     (a) State charges or conditions that do not conform to the company's existing tariff; or

     (b) Provide for utility services not specifically addressed in the gas, electric, or water company's existing tariffs.

     (2) Any significant modification of a previously executed contract will be treated as a new contract for purposes of this section.

     (3) Essential terms and conditions of all contracts filed pursuant to this section are considered a part of the gas, electric, or water company's filed tariffs and are subject to enforcement, supervision, regulation, control, and public inspection as such.

     (4) Filing and effective dates. The contract will become effective on the effective date stated in the contract or thirty days after the filing date, whichever occurs later, unless suspended or rejected by the commission. The commission may approve an earlier effective date if requested by the company, in which event the contract shall not become effective on a date that precedes commission approval. A request for an earlier effective date must include a complete explanation of why an earlier effective date is appropriate.

     (5) Each application filed for commission approval of a contract must:

     (a) Include a complete copy of the proposed contract;

     (b) Show that the contract meets the requirements of RCW 80.28.090 (Prohibiting unreasonable preference) and RCW 80.28.100 (Prohibiting rate discrimination);

     (c) Demonstrate, at a minimum, that the contract charges recover all costs resulting from providing the service during its term, and, in addition, provide a contribution to the gas, electric, or water company's fixed costs;

     (d) Summarize the basis of the charge(s) proposed in the contract and explain the derivation of the proposed charge(s) including all cost computations involved; and

     (e) Indicate the basis for using a contract rather than a filed tariff for the specific service involved. If the basis for using a contract is the availability of an alternative service provider, identify that provider.

     (6) All contracts must be for a stated time period, except for contracts for water line extensions. The commission may approve terms and conditions that prescribe the charge(s) to be applied during the time period, if such charge(s) are found to be appropriate. Unless otherwise provided by the commission, such approval will not be determinative with respect to the expenses and revenues of the utility for subsequent ratemaking considerations.

     (7) Filings under this section may be submitted with portions designated "confidential" pursuant to WAC ((480-09-015)) 480-07-160. However, any filing that designates the essential terms and conditions of the contract as "confidential" shall be rejected by the commission as not in compliance with the public inspection requirement of RCW 80.28.050. Essential terms and conditions are:

     (a) Identity of the customer;

     (b) Nature and characteristics of the service provided, including interruptible, firm, or peak delivery;

     (c) Duration of the contract, including any options to renew;

     (d) Charge(s) for service, including minimum charge provisions;

     (e) Geographic location where service will be provided; and

     (f) Additional obligations specified in the contract, if any.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.180. 02-11-081 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498), § 480-80-143, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02.]

     (2) A telecommunications company must file with the commission any contract with an end-user for retail intrastate telecommunications service if the service is not included in its price list or the contract contains prices, terms, or conditions other than those in its price list. A telecommunications company is not required to file a contract with prices below the maximum prices in the price list, as provided for in WAC 480-80-204(3), or within the maximum and minimum prices in the price list, as provided for in WAC 480-80-204(4), if the contract is otherwise consistent with the price list.

     (3) Any significant modification to a previously executed contract is a new contract and must be filed as required by this section.

     (4) Unless the contract includes a provision allowing the commission to reject it during the first fifteen days after it is filed, any contract required by subsection (2) of this section to be filed with the commission will become effective on the later of (a) its stated effective date or (b) ten days after it is filed with the commission. The deadline for filing a contract that provides for commission rejection within fifteen days of filing is fifteen days after its stated effective date.

     (5) A telecommunications company may submit filings under this section with portions designated "confidential" pursuant to WAC ((480-09-015)) 480-07-160. However, the commission will reject any filing that designates as "confidential" the essential terms and conditions of a contract as defined in WAC 480-80-142(8).

     (6) A telecommunications company filing a contract for a service classified as competitive under RCW 80.36.330 must provide information demonstrating that the contract prices comply with the cost requirement in WAC 480-80-204(6).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.180. 02-11-081 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-498), § 480-80-241, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02.]

OTS-6683.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. UG-990294, General Order No. R-484, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01)

WAC 480-90-003   Application of rules.   (1) The rules in this chapter apply to any gas utility that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission under RCW 80.04.010 and chapter 80.28 RCW. These rules also include various requirements of the utility's customers and applicants.

     (2) The tariff provisions filed by utilities must conform with these rules. If the commission accepts a tariff that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance does not constitute a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-90-008, Exemption from rules in chapter 480-90 WAC. Tariffs that conflict with these rules without approval are superseded by these rules.

     (3) Any affected person may ask the commission to review the interpretation of these rules by a utility or customer by posing an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910, Informal complaints, or by filing a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420)) 480-07-370, Pleadings and briefs -- Application for authority -- Protests.

     (4) No deviation from these rules is permitted without written authorization by the commission. Violations will be subject to penalties as provided by law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-11-003 (Docket No. UG-990294, General Order No. R-484), § 480-90-003, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason for requesting the exemption.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardship imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purposes of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-11-003 (Docket No. UG-990294, General Order No. R-484), § 480-90-008, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]

     (a) Providing service does not comply with government regulations or accepted natural gas industry standards;

     (b) In the utility's reasonable judgment, the applicant's or customer's installation of piping or gas burning equipment is considered hazardous or of such a nature that safe and satisfactory service cannot be provided;

     (c) The applicant or customer does not comply with the utility's request that the applicant or customer provide and install protective devices, when the utility, in its reasonable judgment deems such protective devices are necessary to protect the utility's or other customers' properties from theft or damage;

     (d) After reasonable efforts by the responsible party, all necessary rights of way, easements, approvals, and permits have not been secured; or

     (e) The customer is known by the utility to have tampered with or stolen the utility's property, used service through an illegal connection, or fraudulently obtained service and the utility has complied with WAC 480-90-128(2), disconnection of service.

     (2) A gas utility may not refuse to provide new or additional service to a residential applicant or residential customer who has a prior obligation. A prior obligation is the dollar amount, excluding deposit amounts owed, the utility has billed to the customer and for which the utility has not received payment at the time the service has been disconnected for nonpayment. The utility must provide service once the customer or applicant has paid all appropriate deposit and reconnection fees. This subsection does not apply to customers that have been disconnected for failure to honor the terms of a winter low-income payment program.

     (3) The utility may not refuse to provide service to an applicant or customer because there are outstanding amounts due from a prior customer at the same premises, unless the utility can determine, based on objective evidence, that a fraudulent act is being committed, such that the applicant or customer is acting in cooperation with the prior customer with the intent to avoid payment.

     (4) The utility may refuse to provide new or additional service for reasons not expressed in subsection (1) of this section, upon prior approval of the commission. The commission may grant the request upon determining that the utility has no obligation to provide the requested service under RCW 80.28.110. Prior to seeking commission approval, the utility must work with the applicant or customer requesting service to seek resolution of the issues involved.

     (5) Any applicant or customer who has been refused new or additional service may file with the commission an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910, Informal complaints; or a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420, Pleadings and briefs -- Applications for authority -- Protests; and 480-09-425, Pleadings -- Verification, time for filing, responsive pleadings, liberal construction, amendments)) 480-07-370, Pleadings -- General.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-24-077 (General Order No. R-496, Docket No. UG-990294), § 480-90-123, filed 12/3/01, effective 1/3/02.]

     (a) Upon request, identify the utility's contact to the complainant;

     (b) Investigate the complaint promptly as required by the particular case;

     (c) Report the results of the investigation to the complainant;

     (d) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as possible under the circumstances;

     (e) If the complainant is dissatisfied with the results or decision, inform the complainant that the decision may be appealed to a supervisor at the utility; and

     (f) If the complainant is dissatisfied after speaking with the utility's supervisor, the supervisor must inform the complainant of the complainant's right to file a complaint with the commission and provide the commission's address and toll-free telephone number.

     (2) Applicants, customers, or their representatives may file with the commission:

     (a) An informal complaint as described in WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910, Informal complaints; or

     (b) A formal complaint against the utility as described in WAC ((480-09-420, Pleadings and briefs -- Applications for authority -- Protests)) 480-07-370, Pleadings -- General.

     (3) When the commission refers an informal complaint to the utility, the utility must:

     (a) Investigate and report the results to the commission within two business days. The commission may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint, if requested and warranted;

     (b) Keep the commission informed of progress toward the solution and the final result; and

     (c) Respond to the commission's request for additional informal complaint information within three business days of the request or at a date specified by the commission. The commission may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint, if requested and warranted.

     (4) Each gas utility must keep a record of all complaints for at least three years and, upon request, make them readily available for commission review. The record must contain:

     (a) The complainant's name and address;

     (b) The date and nature of the complaint;

     (c) The action taken;

     (d) The final result; and

     (e) All official documents regarding the complaint.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-11-003 (Docket No. UG-990294, General Order No. R-484), § 480-90-173, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]

OTS-6684.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R-458, Docket No. UR-980080, filed 2/5/99, effective 3/8/99)

WAC 480-92-060   Minimum filing requirements.   (1) When a site operator files for a general rate increase, it must follow the minimum filing requirements set forth in WAC ((480-09-300 through 480-09-330)) 480-07-520.

     (2) A site operator filing a request with the commission for a general rate increase must concurrently notify all generators who have disposed of low-level radioactive waste in the three years prior to the request for the proposed rate increases or service changes. The notice must include at minimum; a clear, brief explanation the generators can easily understand of the proposed rates, conditions and changes; the requested effective date; the commission's address, with a statement that generators may obtain more detailed information by writing to the commission; and a phone number for generators to call a company representative if they have questions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 99-05-016 (Order R-458, Docket No. UR-980080), § 480-92-060, filed 2/5/99, effective 3/8/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 1991 c 272. 92-03-050 (Order R-366, Docket No. T-910676), § 480-92-060, filed 1/10/92, effective 2/10/92.]

     (a) Acknowledge the complaint;

     (b) Investigate promptly;

     (c) Report the results of the investigation to the complainant;

     (d) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as appropriate under the circumstances;

     (e) Tell the complainant the decision may be appealed to a higher level representative of the company, if any;

     (f) Tell the complainant, if still dissatisfied after speaking with the higher level representative, of the commission's availability to review the complaint; and

     (g) Provide the complainant with the commission's address and toll-free telephone number.

     (2) Complainants may file with the commission:

     (a) An informal complaint against a site operator as set forth in WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910; and/or

     (b) A formal complaint against a site operator as set forth in RCW 81.108.080 and chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

     (3) When commission staff refers an informal complaint to a site operator, the operator must:

     (a) Investigate and respond to commission staff within two working days. Commission staff may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint, if requested, and warranted; and

     (b) Report regularly to commission staff about progress toward the solution and the final result.

     (4) A site operator must keep a record of all complaints concerning service or rates for at least one year and, on request, make them readily available for commission review. The record must contain:

     (a) The complainant's name and address;

     (b) The date and nature of the complaint;

     (c) The action taken; and

     (d) The final result.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 99-05-016 (Order R-458, Docket No. UR-980080), § 480-92-090, filed 2/5/99, effective 3/8/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 1991 c 272. 92-03-050 (Order R-366, Docket No. T-910676), § 480-92-090, filed 1/10/92, effective 2/10/92.]

OTS-6685.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. UE-990473, General Order No. R-482, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01)

WAC 480-100-003   Application of rules.   (1) The rules in this chapter apply to any electric utility that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission under RCW 80.04.010 and chapter 80.28 RCW. These rules also include various requirements of the utility's customers and applicants.

     (2) The tariff provisions filed by utilities must conform with these rules. If the commission accepts a tariff that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance does not constitute a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-100-008, Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-100 WAC. Tariffs that conflict with these rules without approval are superseded by these rules.

     (3) Any affected person may ask the commission to review the interpretation of these rules by a utility or customer by posing an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910, Informal complaints, or by filing a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420)) 480-07-370, Pleading and briefs -- Application for authority -- Protests.

     (4) No deviation from these rules is permitted without written authorization by the commission. Violation will be subject to penalties as provided by law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-11-004 (Docket No. UE-990473, General Order No. R-482), § 480-100-003, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason for requesting the exemption.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardships imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purposes of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request, or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-11-004 (Docket No. UE-990473, General Order No. R-482), § 480-100-008, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]

     (a) The building or property has more than one dwelling unit;

     (b) The occupants control a significant part of the electricity used in the individual units; and

     (c) It is cost-effective for the occupants to have the utility purchase and install individual meters considering the long-run benefits of measuring and billing each occupant's electric use separately.

     (2) The utility may refuse to provide new or additional service if:

     (a) Providing service does not comply with government regulations or the electric industry accepted standards concerning the provision of service;

     (b) In the utility's reasonable judgment, the applicant's or customer's installation of wiring or electrical equipment is considered hazardous or of such a nature that safe and satisfactory service cannot be provided;

     (c) The applicant or customer does not comply with the utility's request that the applicant or customer provide and install protective devices, when the utility, in its reasonable judgment deems such protective devices are necessary to protect the utility's or other customers' properties from theft or damage;

     (d) After reasonable efforts by the responsible party, all necessary rights of way, easements, approvals, and permits have not been secured; or

     (e) The customer is known by the utility to have tampered with or stolen the utility's property, used service through an illegal connection, or fraudulently obtained service and the utility has complied with WAC 480-100-128(2), disconnection of service.

     (3) An electric utility may not refuse to provide new or additional service to a residential applicant or residential customer who has a prior obligation. A prior obligation is the dollar amount, excluding deposit amounts owed, the utility has billed to the customer and for which the utility has not received payment at the time the service has been disconnected for nonpayment. The utility must provide service once the customer or applicant has paid all appropriate deposit and reconnection fees. This subsection does not apply to customers that have been disconnected for failure to honor the terms of a winter low-income payment program.

     (4) The utility may not refuse to provide service to an applicant or customer because there are outstanding amounts due from a prior customer at the same premises, unless the utility can determine, based on objective evidence, that a fraudulent act is being committed, such that the applicant or customer is acting in cooperation with the prior customer with the intent to avoid payment.

     (5) The utility may refuse to provide new or additional service for reasons not expressed in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, upon prior approval of the commission. The commission may grant the request upon determining that the utility has no obligation to provide the requested service under RCW 80.28.110. Prior to seeking commission approval, the utility must work with the applicant or customer requesting service to seek resolution of the issues involved.

     (6) Any applicant or customer who has been refused new or additional service may file with the commission an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910, Informal complaints; or a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420, Pleadings and briefs -- Applications for authority -- Protests; and 480-09-425, Pleadings -- Verification, time for filing, responsive pleadings, liberal construction, amendments)) 480-07-370, Pleadings -- General.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-24-076 (General Order No. R-495, Docket No. UE-990473), § 480-100-123, filed 12/3/01, effective 1/3/02.]

     (a) Upon request, identify the utility's contact to the complainant;

     (b) Investigate the complaint promptly as required by the particular case;

     (c) Report the results of the investigation to the complainant;

     (d) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as possible under the circumstances;

     (e) If the complainant is dissatisfied with the results or decision, inform the complainant that the decision may be appealed to a supervisor at the utility; and

     (f) If the complainant is dissatisfied after speaking with the utility's supervisor, the supervisor must inform the complainant of the complainant's right to file a complaint with the commission and provide the commission's address and toll-free telephone number.

     (2) Applicants, customers, or their representatives may file with the commission:

     (a) An informal complaint as described in WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910, Informal complaints; or

     (b) A formal complaint against the utility as described in WAC ((480-09-420, Pleadings and briefs -- Applications for authority -- Protests)) 480-07-370, Pleadings -- General.

     (3) When the commission refers an informal complaint to the utility, the utility must:

     (a) Investigate and report the results to the commission within two business days. The commission may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint, if requested and warranted;

     (b) Keep the commission informed of progress toward the solution and the final result; and

     (c) Respond to the commission's request for additional informal complaint information within three business days of the request or at a date specified by the commission. The commission may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint, if requested and warranted.

     (4) Each electric utility must keep a record of all complaints for at least three years and, upon request, make them readily available for commission review. The record must contain:

     (a) The complainant's name and address;

     (b) The date and nature of the complaint;

     (c) The action taken;

     (d) The final result; and

     (e) All official documents regarding the complaint.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 01-11-004 (Docket No. UE-990473, General Order No. R-482), § 480-100-173, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]

OTS-6686.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R-467, Docket No. UW-980082, filed 11/30/99, effective 12/31/99)

WAC 480-110-215   Exemptions from rules.   (1) The commission may grant an exemption of any rule in this chapter, if consistent with the public interest, the purposes underlying regulation, and applicable statutes.

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought and giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if needed, and schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date the commission will consider the request.

     (4) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 99-24-100 (Order R-467, Docket No. UW-980082), § 480-110-215, filed 11/30/99, effective 12/31/99.]

     (1) Adopted tariffs - when a regulated company acquires another regulated company. Any regulated water company acquiring a regulated water company must adopt the latter's tariff. An adoption form must be completed and filed with the commission by the acquiring water company within thirty days of the acquisition. The commission will supply an adoption form upon request.

     (2) Incorporate into existing tariff - when a regulated water company acquires a nonregulated company.

     (a) When a regulated water company acquires a nonregulated water company or water system, the acquiring water company must file a separate tariff page indicating the name of the newly acquired company or system with the rates and charges that were in existence before the acquisition.

     (b) If the acquired nonregulated company or water system was previously subject to commission jurisdiction, the acquiring water company must file a separate tariff page indicating the name of the newly acquired company or system with the rates and charges in effect for the acquired company at the time the acquired company was removed from regulation.

     (c) No other rates and charges may apply to the customers on the newly acquired system except those specifically shown on the new tariff page unless the company obtains the commission's approval to charge a different rate.

     (3) Initial tariffs - when a company becomes jurisdictional.

     (a) An initial tariff must be filed in a standard tariff format. The commission will provide illustrations of the standard format upon request.

     (b) The tariff must be accompanied by a cover letter describing the filing as an initial tariff.

     (c) Customers must be notified before the commission receives the filing.

     (d) The filing must be accompanied by supporting financial data justifying the proposed rates. See WAC ((480-09-337, Filing requirements -- General rate increases)) 480-07-530, General rate proceedings -- Water companies.

     (4) Initial tariffs - a company that was previously subject to commission jurisdiction. If a company or water system was previously subject to commission jurisdiction and once again becomes jurisdictional, the company must file a tariff with the rates and charges in effect at the time the company was last removed from regulation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 99-24-100 (Order R-467, Docket No. UW-980082), § 480-110-295, filed 11/30/99, effective 12/31/99.]

     (a) Acknowledge the complaint;

     (b) Investigate promptly;

     (c) Report the results of the investigation to the complainant;

     (d) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as appropriate under the circumstances;

     (e) Inform the complainant that the decision may be appealed to a higher level representative at the company, if any;

     (f) Inform the complainant, if still dissatisfied after speaking with the higher level representative, of the commission's availability for review of the complaint; and

     (g) Provide the complainant with the commission's address and toll-free telephone number.

     (2) Applicants, customers, or their representatives, may file with the commission:

     (a) An informal complaint against the company as set forth in WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910; and/or

     (b) A formal complaint against the company as set forth in WAC ((480-09-500)) 480-07-370.

     (3) When commission consumer affairs staff refers an informal complaint to the company, the company must:

     (a) Investigate and report the results to the commission consumer affairs staff within two business days. The commission consumer affairs staff may grant an extension of time for responding to the complaint, if requested and warranted;

     (b) Keep the commission consumer affairs staff informed of progress toward the solution and the final result.

     (4) Each water company must keep a record of all complaints concerning service or rates for at least one year and, on request, make them readily available for commission review. The record must contain:

     (a) Complainant's name and address;

     (b) Date and nature of the complaint;

     (c) Action taken; and

     (d) Final result.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 99-24-100 (Order R-467, Docket No. UW-980082), § 480-110-385, filed 11/30/99, effective 12/31/99.]

OTS-6687.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/01/03)

WAC 480-120-011   Application of rules.   (1) The rules in this chapter apply to any company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission as to rates and services under the provisions of RCW 80.01.040 and chapters 80.04 and 80.36 RCW.

     (2) The tariffs and price lists filed by companies must conform to these rules. If the commission accepts a tariff or price list that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance does not constitute a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-120-015 (Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-120 WAC). Tariffs or price lists that conflict with these rules without approval are superseded by these rules.

     (3) Any affected person may ask the commission to review the interpretation of these rules by a company or customer by posing an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910 (Informal complaints), or by filing a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420 (Pleading and briefs -- Application for authority -- Protests))) 480-07-370 (Pleading -- General).

     (4) No deviation from these rules is permitted without written authorization by the commission. Violations will be subject to penalties as provided by law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-011, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/01/03; 01-15-022 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-480), § 480-120-011, filed 7/11/01, effective 8/11/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 1985 c 450. 85-23-001 (Order R-242, Cause No. U-85-56), § 480-120-011, filed 11/7/85; Order R-25, § 480-120-011, filed 5/5/71. Formerly WAC 480-120-010.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, and provide a full explanation of the reason for requesting the exemption. In addition to any other reason, parties may allege force majeure was the factor leading to the request for waiver.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the requesting person, of a degree or a kind different from hardships imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purposes of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request, or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-015, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03; 01-15-022 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-480), § 480-120-015, filed 7/11/01, effective 8/11/01.]

     (2) Each company must have personnel available during regular business days to respond to commission staff.

     (3) Applicants, customers, or their authorized representatives, may file with the commission an informal complaint as described in WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910 or a formal complaint against a company when there are alleged violations of statutes, administrative rules, or tariffs as provided by WAC ((480-09-420 and 480-09-500)) 480-07-370.

     (4) When the commission staff refers an informal complaint to a company, the company must:

     (a) Stop any pending action involving the issues raised in the complaint provided any amounts not in dispute are paid when due (e.g., if the complaint involves a disconnect threat or collection action, the disconnect or collection must be stopped);

     (b) Thoroughly investigate all issues raised in the complaint and provide a complete report of the results of its investigation to the commission, including, if applicable, information that demonstrates that the company's action was in compliance with commission rules; and

     (c) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as appropriate under the circumstances.

     (5) Commission staff will ask the customer filing the informal complaint whether the customer wishes to speak directly to the company during the course of the complaint, and will relay the customer's preference to the company at the time staff opens the complaint.

     (6) The company must report the results of its investigation of service-affecting informal complaints to commission staff within two business days from the date commission staff passes the complaint to the company. Service-affecting complaints include, but are not limited to, nonfunctioning or impaired services (i.e., disconnected services or those not functioning properly).

     (7) The company must report the results of its investigation of nonservice-affecting informal complaints to commission staff within five business days from the date commission staff passes the complaint to the company. Nonservice-affecting complaints include, but are not limited to, billing disputes and rate quotes.

     (8) Unless another time is specified in this rule or unless commission staff specifies a later date, the company must provide complete responses to requests from commission staff for additional information on pending informal complaints within three business days.

     (9) The company must keep commission staff informed when relevant changes occur in what has been previously communicated to the commission and when there is final resolution of the informal complaint.

     (10) An informal complaint opened with the company by commission staff may not be considered closed until commission staff informs the company that the complaint is closed.

     (11) The company must provide information requested by staff regarding any informal complaint in accordance with subsections (6) and (7) of this section until such time as staff informs the company that the complaint is closed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-166, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03.]

     (2) General information required. A Class B company seeking streamlined treatment for a proposed general rate increase must submit the following information at the time of filing or prior to its first notice to customers, whichever occurs first:

     (a) A copy of its customer notice as specified in subsection (6) of this section.

     (b) A results-of-operations statement, on a commission basis, demonstrating that the company is not presently exceeding a reasonable level of earnings. If the company is exceeding a reasonable level of earnings, the proposed increase must be reduced accordingly.

     (c) All supporting documentation used to develop the results-of-operations statement, including supporting documentation for all adjustments.

     (d) The results-of-operations statement filed under this subsection must include Washington intrastate results of operations. If a company cannot provide Washington intrastate results of operations with reasonable accuracy, the commission may consider the total Washington results of operations including the interstate jurisdiction.

     (3) Adjustments provided for in the results of operations.

     (a) The results-of-operations statement must provide restating actual adjustments and pro forma adjustments in accordance with (b) of this subsection.

     (b) Before the achieved return is calculated a company must adjust the booked results of operations for restating actual and proforma adjustments, including the following:

     (i) Nonoperating items;

     (ii) Extraordinary items;

     (iii) Nonregulated operating items; and

     (iv) All other items that materially distort the test period.

     (4) Rate of return. The authorized overall rate-of-return (for purposes of this section only) is eleven and twenty-five one-hundredths percent.

     (5) Rate design. A Class B company filing pursuant to this section must clearly describe the basis for allocating any revenue requirement change proposed by customer class (e.g., residential, business, and interexchange).

     (6) Customer notice. The company must notify customers consistent with the manner outlined in WAC 480-120-194, and must include the following information:

     (a) The proposed increase expressed in (i) total dollars and average percentage terms, and (ii) the average monthly increases the customers in each category or subcategory of service might reasonably expect;

     (b) The name and mailing address of the commission and public counsel;

     (c) A statement that customers may contact the commission or public counsel with respect to the proposed rate change; and

     (d) The date, time, and place of the public meeting, if known.

     (7) Public meeting(s). The commission will ordinarily hold at least one public meeting in the area affected by the rate increase within forty-five days after the date of filing.

     (8) Final action. The commission will ordinarily take final action on a filing under this section within ninety days after the date of filing.

     (9) The commission may decline to apply the procedures outlined in this section if it has reason to believe that:

     (a) The quality of the company's service is not consistent with its public service obligations; or

     (b) A more extensive review is required of the company's results of operations or proposed rate design.

     (10) Nothing in this rule will be construed to prevent any company, the commission, any customer, or any other party from using any other procedures that are otherwise permitted by law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-305, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03.]

     "CLEC" means a competing local exchange carrier that orders collocation from an ILEC.

     "Collocation" means the ability of a CLEC to place equipment, including microwave equipment, within or upon an ILEC's premises.

     "Deliver" or "delivery date" means the point when the ILEC turns the collocation space and related facilities over to the CLEC and the space and facilities are ready for service. Deliver or delivery includes, but is not necessarily limited to, providing the CLEC with access to the collocation space for collocation other than virtual collocation, as well as providing power, telephone service, and other services and facilities ordered by the CLEC for provisioning by the delivery date.

     "ILEC" means an incumbent local exchange carrier that is required to provide collocation.

     "ILEC premises" means an ILEC wire center, central office, or any other location owned and/or controlled by the ILEC at which interconnection with the ILEC's network or access to ILEC unbundled network elements is technically feasible.

     "Points of interface (POI)" means the demarcation between the networks of an ILEC and a CLEC. The POI is the point where the exchange of traffic takes place.

     (2) ILEC response to CLEC order for collocation. Within ten calendar days of receipt of an order for collocation, an ILEC must notify the CLEC whether sufficient space exists in the ILEC premises to accommodate the CLEC's collocation requirements. As part of that notification, the ILEC must also notify the CLEC of any circumstance that may delay delivery of the ordered collocation space and related facilities.

     (3) Provisioning collocation. If the ILEC notifies a CLEC that sufficient space exists to accommodate the CLEC's order for collocation, the following procedures apply:

     (a) Within twenty-five calendar days of receipt of the order, the ILEC must provide the CLEC with a written quote detailing the nonrecurring and recurring charges applicable to provisioning the ordered collocation. After providing the written quote and upon reasonable notice of a request by the CLEC, the ILEC must permit the CLEC at least one accompanied site visit to the designated collocation space without charge to the CLEC, to enable the CLEC to verify and inspect the space the ILEC offers for collocation. The CLEC's acceptance of the written quote and payment of one-half of the nonrecurring charges specified in the quote must be within seven calendar days and does not preclude the CLEC from later disputing the accuracy or reasonableness of those charges.

     (b) If the ordered collocation space was included in a periodic forecast submitted by the CLEC to the ILEC at least three months in advance of the order, the ILEC must complete construction of, and deliver, the ordered collocation space and related facilities within forty-five calendar days after the CLEC's acceptance of the written quote and payment of one-half of the nonrecurring charges specified in the quote.

     (c) If the ordered collocation space was not included in a periodic forecast submitted by the CLEC to the ILEC at least three months in advance of the order, the commission declines to apply the forty-five calendar day interval in (3)(b) and the national standards adopted by the FCC shall apply.

     (d) Following any initial notification as required in section (2) above, the ILEC must notify the CLEC of any change in circumstances as soon as the ILEC is aware of those circumstances and must take all reasonable steps to avoid or minimize any delays caused by those circumstances, including but not limited to joint provisioning of collocation elements by the ILEC and CLEC, or sole construction by the CLEC, through a mutually acceptable third party contractor.

     (e) If the ILEC fails to deliver the collocation space by the required delivery date, the ILEC must credit the CLEC in an amount equal to one-tenth of the total nonrecurring charge for the ordered collocation for each week beyond the required delivery date. Recurring charges will not begin to accrue for any element until the ILEC delivers that element to the CLEC. To the extent that a CLEC self-provisions any collocation element, the ILEC may not impose any charges for provisioning that element.

     (f) The ILEC must provide periodic notices to the CLEC during construction of the CLEC's collocation space, including scheduled completion and delivery dates. At least thirty calendar days prior to the scheduled delivery date, the ILEC must provide the CLEC with sufficient information to enable the ILEC and the CLEC to establish firm Common Language Location Identifier (CLLI) codes and any other codes necessary to order interconnection and cross-connection circuits for the equipment the CLEC intends to collocate, and the ILEC must accept and process CLEC orders for such circuits. The ILEC must provision points of interface (POIs) and other circuits concurrent with delivery of the collocation space and related facilities, unless the CLEC agrees to a later date.

     (g) The ILEC must conduct an inspection with the CLEC of the collocation space at least five business days prior to completion of construction of the collocation space. The ILEC must correct any deviations to the CLEC's original or jointly amended requirements after the inspection, at the ILEC's sole expense.

     (h) Upon order of the CLEC and concurrent with delivery of the collocation space and related facilities, the ILEC must provide basic telephone service to the collocation space under the rates, terms, and conditions of the ILEC's current tariff or price list offering for the service ordered. The ILEC must also provide CLEC employees, contractors, and representatives with reasonable access to basic facilities, such as restroom facilities and parking, while at the ILEC premises.

     (4) Denial of order for collocation. If the ILEC notifies a CLEC that insufficient space exists to accommodate the CLEC's order for collocation, the following procedures apply:

     (a) As part of its notification of lack of space, the ILEC must notify the CLEC if any space is available for collocation and, if so, how much space is available. The ILEC must also verify that the ILEC cannot reclaim space for collocation by consolidating or removing inactive or underutilized equipment.

     (b) The ILEC must permit the CLEC to tour the ILEC premises within fourteen calendar days of the CLEC's written request.

     (c) If the CLEC notifies the ILEC that it contests the denial of an order for collocation, the ILEC must, within twenty-five calendar days of the notification, file a petition asking the commission to determine that the space requested by the CLEC is not available. Upon request and execution of an appropriate confidentiality agreement, the ILEC must also provide a copy of the petition to the CLEC. The ILEC must prepare the petition at its sole expense, and the petition must include the following information:

     (i) Central Office CLLI, where applicable;

     (ii) Ordering CLEC, including the amount of space sought by the CLEC;

     (iii) Written inventory of active, inactive, and underutilized equipment, including the signatures of ILEC personnel certifying the accuracy of the information provided;

     (iv) Color-coded floor plans that identify office space work areas, provide spatial dimensions to calculate the square footage for each area, and locate inactive and underutilized equipment;

     (v) Narrative of the central office floor space use;

     (vi) Total amount of space occupied by interconnecting collocators for the sole purpose of interconnection;

     (vii) Total amount of space occupied by third parties for purposes other than interconnection, and a narrative of the space use;

     (viii) The number of central office employees employed and job titles;

     (ix) Description of central office renovation/expansion plans and time frames for completion;

     (x) Description of conversion of administrative, maintenance, equipment, and storage space plans and timeframes for completion; and

     (xi) Description of any internal policies for conversion of administrative, maintenance, equipment, and storage space in central offices.

     (d) The commission will decide any petition filed under subsection (4)(c) through an expedited proceeding conducted in accordance with the relevant procedural requirements and time lines established in WAC ((480-09-530)) 480-07-650. The ILEC bears the burden to prove to the commission that the ordered collocation is not practical for technical reasons or because of space limitations. The ILEC may be relieved of its obligation to provide collocation at a particular ILEC premises only to the extent expressly provided by commission order.

     (e) Each ILEC must maintain a list of all of its central offices in Washington in which insufficient space exists to accommodate one or more types of collocation. The list must specify which types of collocation are unavailable in each office and whether the commission has approved the ILEC's denial of collocation in that office. The ILEC must post this list on its publicly accessible web site and provide a copy of the list to any CLEC upon request. The ILEC must update this list within ten business days of (i) denying a CLEC's order for collocation; (ii) the service date of any order from the commission approving or disapproving such a denial; (iii) providing notice to CLECs previously denied collocation that space has become available in a central office; or (iv) obtaining knowledge through any other means that space for one or more types of collocation is no longer available or has become available in a particular central office.

     (f) Each ILEC must maintain for each central office a waiting list of all unfilled orders for collocation space and the date of each order. After an ILEC has announced that one or more types of collocation space are not available in an office, any CLEC may submit a letter of intent to order collocation space in lieu of a collocation order, and this letter of intent must be included on the waiting list. If space for collocation becomes available in any central office, the ILEC must inform all CLECs, that ordered collocation or submitted a letter of intent to order collocation, of the availability of that space and must provide each such CLEC with fifteen calendar days to renew its original collocation order. The ILEC must provision collocation to these CLECs on a first-come, first-served basis according to the dates on which each ordered collocation or submitted a letter of intent to collocate in that central office.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 00-24-047 (Order R-475, Docket No. UT-990582), § 480-120-560, filed 11/30/00, effective 12/31/00.]

OTS-6688.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending General Order No. R-499, Docket No. UT-991922, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02)

WAC 480-121-011   Application of rules.   (1) The rules in this chapter apply to any telecommunications company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission as to rates and services under the provisions of RCW 80.01.040 and chapters 80.04 and 80.36 RCW.

     (2) Price list provisions filed by telecommunications companies must conform with these rules. If the commission accepts a price list that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance does not constitute a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-121-015. Price lists that conflict with these rules without approval are superseded by these rules.

     (3) Any affected person may ask the commission to review the interpretation of these rules by a telecommunications company or customer by posing an informal complaint under WAC ((480-09-150)) 480-07-910 (Informal complaints) or by filing a formal complaint under WAC ((480-09-420 (Pleadings and briefs -- Applications for authority -- Protests))) 480-07-370 (Pleadings -- General).

     (4) No deviation from these rules is permitted without written authorization by the commission. Violations will be subject to penalties as provided by law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 02-11-080 (General Order No. R-499, Docket No. UT-991922), § 480-121-011, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02.]

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, giving a full explanation of the reason for requesting the exemption.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if it does not arise in an existing docket, and will schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date of the hearing or open meeting when the commission will consider the request.

     (4) In determining whether to grant the request, the commission may consider whether application of the rule would impose undue hardship on the petitioner, of a degree or a kind different from hardship imposed on other similarly situated persons, and whether the effect of applying the rule would be contrary to the purposes of the rule.

     (5) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 02-11-080 (General Order No. R-499, Docket No. UT-991922), § 480-121-015, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. 99-13-097 (Order R-464, Docket No. UT-980083), § 480-121-015, filed 6/15/99, effective 7/16/99.]

     (2) Intervention. Any person desiring to participate in a competitive classification proceeding may petition to intervene as provided in WAC ((480-09-430)) 480-07-355.

     (3) Additional parties. In any competitive classification proceeding the commission may require all regulated telecommunications companies potentially affected by the proceeding to appear as parties to determine the proper classification of the affected companies.

     (4) Burden of proof. In any competitive classification proceeding, the telecommunications company has the burden of demonstrating that the company or specific service(s) is subject to effective competition.

     (5) Effective competition. Effective competition means that customers of the service(s) have reasonably available alternatives and that the company does not have a significant captive customer base for the service(s). The commission will consider the factors outlined in RCW 80.36.320 (1)(a) through (d) when determining whether a company is competitive.

     (6) The competitive classification becomes effective on the stated effective date unless the commission suspends the proposed classification. If the commission suspends a proposed classification, it will enter a final order within six months from the date the petition was filed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 02-11-080 (General Order No. R-499, Docket No. UT-991922), § 480-121-061, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02; 01-09-002 (Docket No. U-991301, General Order No. R-481), § 480-121-061, filed 4/4/01, effective 5/5/01.]

OTS-6689.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order No. R-466, Docket No. A-990298, filed 11/15/99, effective 12/16/99)

WAC 480-140-015   Exemptions from rules.   (1) The commission may grant an exemption of any rule in this chapter, if consistent with the public interest, the purposes underlying regulation, and applicable statutes.

     (2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought and giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

     (3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if needed, and schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date the commission will consider the request.

     (4) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request or setting it for hearing, pursuant to chapter ((480-09)) 480-07 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.04.160, 80.01.040 and 80.04.300 through 80.04.330. 99-23-065 (Order No. R-466, Docket No. A-990298), § 480-140-015, filed 11/15/99, effective 12/16/99.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.04.160, 80.01.040 and 80.04.300 through 80.04.330. 99-23-065 (Order No. R-466, Docket No. A-990298), § 480-140-080, filed 11/15/99, effective 12/16/99; Order R-43, § 480-140-080, filed 4/5/73 and 4/18/73; Order R-5, § 480-140-080, filed 6/6/69, effective 10/9/69.]

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