In this issue:

1. PUC DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISCOUNTS DUE JUNE 16
2. PUC PUBLIC WORKSHOP TO BE HELD ON JUNE 23

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As reported in the May 28 issue of Texline, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas is gathering information related to telecommunications discounts currently being offered to libraries and educational institutions. As part of this process, the PUC has published series of questions related to the discounts and other matters in order to gather public input. This data will help form the basis of the Commission's report to the 79th Legislature and will recommend if the discounts (among other incentive-related programs) should be continued and, if so, in what form.

It is critical that the PUC receive many responses documenting the value of the telecommunications discounts for libraries and educational institutions through this process. Please see Texline 173 for additional information about drafting responses and a description of the applicable discounts.

PUC QUESTIONS:

1. 1. For companies that have elected incentive regulation under Chapter 58 or Chapter 59 please describe in detail, using facts and concrete examples, the effects of that election on consumer benefits, including the effects on:
   1. the Texas business community, including small, medium, and large businesses;
   2. Texas residential consumers; and
   3. libraries and educational institutions.
2. For companies that have elected incentive regulation under Chapter 58 or Chapter 59, please describe in detail, using facts and concrete examples, the effects of that election on competition.
3. For companies that have elected incentive regulation under Chapter 58 or Chapter 59, please describe in detail, using facts and concrete examples, the effects of that election on quality of service.
4. For companies that have elected incentive regulation under Chapter 58 or Chapter 59, please describe in detail, using facts and concrete examples, the effects of that election on infrastructure investments. Please include discussion as to whether the phone companies that have elected into incentive regulation have met the infrastructure commitments required by PURA Chapter 58, Subchapters F and G, and Chapter 59, Subchapters C and D, including infrastructure commitments regarding:
   1. libraries and educational institutions;
   2. telemedicine centers; and
   3. public or not-for-profit hospitals or not-for-profit heath care centers.
5. Based on the responses to questions 1 - 4 above, should the incentive regulation provided by Chapters 58 and 59 be extended, modified, eliminated, or replaced with another form of regulation? Please explain why or why not.

HOW TO SUBMIT RESPONSES

Responses may be filed by submitting 16 copies to the commission's Filing Clerk, Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326 within 20 days of the date (May 28) of publication of this notice. All responses should reference Project Number 29072. The commission requests that comments be limited to 30 pages.

For additional information on the PUC process, go to http://www.puc.state.tx.us/telecomm/projects/29072/29072.cfm.

The PUC also published notice of a public workshop on these matters to be held June 23, 2004 at 9:00 am in Austin at the Travis Building. Anyone interested in attending the workshop is welcomed to do so.