CPUC To Hold Public Forum on Ponderosa Telephone Rate Requests
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold a remote public forum to provide an opportunity for customers of Ponderosa Telephone Company to offer perspective and input about the company’s rate requests, as follows:
WHEN: February 8, 2023, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Remote access via webcast or phone:
- Live video broadcast with English or Spanish captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
- Participants who choose to participate via webcast will only have audio and video capabilities but will not be able to make verbal comments. If you would like to make a comment during the meeting, the phone-in information is below.
- For captions, after clicking on the name of the workshop, click the green button at the bottom of the video for captions. Then select captions by clicking on the white icon next to the word “live” at the bottom of the video.
- The forums will also be recorded and archived for future viewing.
- Phone: 800-857-1917, passcode: 1767567#
- Participants will have audio and will be able to make comments. (To make a comment, after entering the passcode, when prompted press *1, unmute your phone, and record your name.)
- Wait times depend on the number of speakers in the public comment queue. During times of high call volumes, wait times will be longer. The operator will call on you when it is your turn to speak.
Customers from Ponderosa service areas are encouraged to participate in the public forum.
You can also make your voice heard in this proceeding, and read the comments of others, on our online Docket Card comment section for the proceeding at apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2210004.
The public forum (also formally known as a Public Participation Hearing) will not have in-person attendance. Members of the public can view the public forum via the Internet or listen. Those who would like to make public comment must participate by telephone and make comment through the toll-free phone line.
WHAT: The public forum will begin with a brief overview of Ponderosa’s requests, then public comments will be heard via phone. At least one representative from Ponderosa will be available to customers during the public forum for individual service, including billing issues.
BACKGROUND: On October 3, 2022, Ponderosa submitted its General Rate Case application requesting CPUC to review its intrastate revenue requirement and rate design, including updates to its annual costs of service and California High Cost Fund A (CHCF-A) support and the elimination of separate charges for custom calling features and voicemail. According to Ponderosa, the company seeks to provide its customers with increased access to broadband and is prepared to make more than $37,623,305 in additional investments in network upgrades through the end of 2024 with the goal of extending fiber to more residential and business locations.
The CPUC welcomes attendance and comments on Ponderosa’s requests at the public forum, as public comments help the CPUC reach an informed decision. The Administrative Law Judge assigned to the proceeding is scheduled to issue a Proposed Decision in the case for consideration by the CPUC within a year.
While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend the remote public forum, no official action will be taken on this matter.
If special accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or sign language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll-free at 866-849-8390 at least five business days in advance of the public forum.
Further information on public forum is available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/pph.
The Ruling setting the public forum is available at docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M500/K762/500762210.PDF.
Documents related to this proceeding are available at apps.cpuc.ca.gov/p/A2210004.
To receive electronic updates on CPUC proceedings, sign-up for the CPUC’s free subscription service at subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov.
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
###