PDFWAC 480-120-339
Streamlined filing requirements for Class B telecommunications company rate increases.
(1) A Class B company, as defined in WAC 480-120-021 (Definitions), may use the streamlined treatment described in this section for seeking a general rate increase, as an alternative to the requirements in WAC 480-07-510 (General rate proceedings—Electric, natural gas, pipeline, and telecommunications companies).
(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 and total Washington 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 pro forma 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 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).
(5) Customer notice. The company must notify customers consistent with the manner outlined in WAC 480-120-194 (Publication of proposed tariff changes to increase charges or restrict access to services), 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.
(6) Final action. The commission will ordinarily take final action on a filing under this section within ninety days after the date of filing.
(7) 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.
(8) 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: Chapter 19.122 RCW, RCW 19.122.053, 80.01.040, and 80.04.160. WSR 15-08-043 (Docket UT-140680, General Order R-580), § 480-120-339, filed 3/26/15, effective 4/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 81.04.160 and 34.05.353. WSR 05-06-051 (Docket No. A-021178 and TO-030288, General Order No. R-518), § 480-120-339, filed 2/28/05, effective 3/31/05.]