The Missouri Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water and sewer and telephone companies. Its mission is to ensure Missouri consumers have access to safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service while allowing those utility companies under our jurisdiction an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on their investment. The PSC also regulates manufacturers and retail dealers who sell new and used manufactured homes and modular units. The commission was established in 1913. The PSC is comprised of five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor.
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PR-08-165 -- PSC Sets Intervention Deadline In Embarq Request For Competitive Classification In Some Of Its Exchanges
Contact: Kevin kelly (573) 751-9300
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- JUNE 5, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY—Embarq Missouri, Inc. (Embarq) has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking competitive classification for all of its business services, other than exchange access services, in its Buckner, Odessa, Oak Grove, Pleasant Hill and Salem exchanges. Embarq also seeks competitive classification for all of its residential services, other than exchange access services, in its Salem exchange.
If competitive status is granted, Embarq would no longer be subject to price or rate regulation by the PSC in those exchanges listed above. Embarq would be permitted to raise or lower telephone rates at its own discretion, subject to the marketplace.
Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than June 9, 2008, with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102. Copies of the application should be sent to: Craig T. Smith, 5454 West 110th Street, KSOPKJ0701, Overland Park, Kansas 66211; and the Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230.
The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the commission. Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone (866) 922-2959, e-mail opcservice@ded.mo.gov) or the Public Service Commission staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, e-mail pscinfo@psc.mo.gov).
The PSC staff, the Office of the Public Counsel and any other interested party is to file any objections or recommendations regarding Embarq’s request by June 13, 2008.
In this case, state law requires the commission to issue its decision within 30 days of Embarq’s June 3, 2008, filing. Under the law, the 30-day criteria for determining competitive classification is based upon the existence of two other nonaffiliated entities providing basic local telecommunications service, one of which may be a wireless provider, the other a wireline company providing local voice service using facilities in which it has a partial or full ownership interest.
If any party opposes Embarq’s application, a hearing will be held on June 23, 2008, in Room 305 of the Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, in Jefferson City.
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Case No. TO-2008-0380