Phone: 208-334-0338 E-mail: Jean.Jewell@puc.idaho.gov

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s (IPUC) Electronic Filing is designed to provide a more efficient means of tariff/price list filings for both the IPUC and the participants. Electronic filing is expected to reduce document copying and the time and effort required to distribute documents to interested parties. Implementation began October 1999 and is voluntary in nature. The procedures were modified in December 2001. The project is intended to guide the development process for full implementation of electronic filings in all proceedings before the Commission.

All utility companies are eligible to use electronic filing. The processes for filing and accessing electronic documents have been redesigned to be simple and straightforward. To file a document, participants convert the original document to a Portable Document Format (PDF) file and e-mail it as an attachment to the Commission Secretary, Jean.Jewell@puc.idaho.gov, or provide the Commission Secretary with a CD-rom.

The filed document will be posted to the IPUC Web site and forwarded to IPUC staff for processing. A "stamped copy" will be returned as an e-mail attachment to the person submitting the document. This indicates that your tariff/price list has been received. Anyone can download, view, and print documents that are electronically filed by accessing the IPUC Web site. Tariffs/price lists are displayed in Approved. Approved tariff/price lists are displayed in alphabetical order by utility. The web address for the tariff area is http://www.puc.idaho.gov/tariff.htm. The electronic submission of all documents is in lieu of the existing paper filing process. Submitting a paper copy of the tariff/pricelist is not required.

1. Documents are to be prepared using a 12-pitch, clearly readable font, which when printed will fit on an 8½ x 11-inch page. Exhibits and maps are the exception. Each electronic filing of a tariff/price list will contain a: (1) transmittal letter; (2) pages showing all changes to existing tariff/price lists with appropriate symbols for deletions, additions, etc.; and (3) "clean" pages showing the changes as they will appear when the changes or additions are effective. See Procedural Rule 134.01, IDAPA 31.01.01.134.01. Each tariff/price list page must contain a blank space approximately 3 x 1½ inches provided in the upper right or lower right hand corner of each page. See the Commission’s Procedural Rule 131.

The Commission’s Procedural Rules can be found on the IPUC web site under Rules of Procedure.

When they become effective, the pages showing the changes will be deleted and the "clean" pages will be placed in the "Approved" site for Tariff/Price Lists.

2. All files must be submitted in Portable Document Format (PDF).

3. Information may also be submitted on a CD and contain only PDF files.

4. The official filing date of all documents is the date the e-mail is received or the CD is filed with the Commission Secretary. The Commission Secretary will return a stamped copy to the filer indicating the official filing date.

What can be done if the Internet is not accessible:

There may be occasions when a user is unable to access the Internet. This may be due to problems with the State’s network, the Internet access, or with the user’s network or Internet access. In any case, if regular access is not available, this section explains the alternate methods for submitting files. Participants may mail or deliver a CD to the Commission.

1. What is an electronic filing?

A method to submit and exchange data between the IPUC and its customers using Portable Document Format (PDF) files, with documents submitted to the Commission in electronic form.

2. Will the Commission Secretary reject erroneously filed documents?

No. It will be the responsibility of the filer to contact the Commission Secretary to make the request for removal of the tariff or price list.

3. In what format will the IPUC accept electronic filings?

Portable Document Format (PDF).

4. Are the companies expected to file all tariffs/price lists electronically? If no, who determines the tariffs/price lists that will be filed electronically?

Companies will make the decision whether to file electronically or not, but the Commission strongly encourages electronic filings in all cases. If a company without Internet access wishes to file electronically it may submit documents using an alternative method, such as submission of CD.

5. What process will be used to inform potential intervenors and interested persons of electronically filed tariffs/price lists?

Electronically filed documents will be made available on the IPUC Web Site and interested parties can sign-up for e-mail notification of new filings at: http://www.puc.idaho.gov/email.htm.

6. Is there a limit on the number of persons from each company, firm, etc. that will be authorized to submit files electronically?

It is preferable to have a single point of contact with each company. It will be the responsibility of the parties to implement the filing procedures and assure proper controls to ensure that documents are filed in the prescribed format.

7. Must parties to electronic filings continue to submit paper copies of filings?

Electronic filing is in lieu of a paper filing. No paper filing is required. See Order No. 28890.

8. Will the filing requirements change for filers continuing to use the paper filing system?

No.

9. How will small companies without Internet access receive information on filings?

The Commission will continue to use the U.S. Postal system. The public may continue to request paper copies of any documents filed with the Commission.

10. Do parties need to access a scanner to participate in the Pilot?

No.

11. What is an Automated Mailing List?

Interested parties can register on the IPUC Web site to receive by E-mail: notice of new cases; Commission Decision Meeting agendas; press releases; Notices and Orders. For more information see: http://www.puc.idaho.gov/email.htm.

12. What is the cost of PDF conversion software?

For more information, see: http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/main.html

13. Who purchases conversion software for participating parties?

Participating parties must individually purchase and install this software on their computers and assure that their staff is trained in its use.

14. Will the IPUC use a secure database whereby the filer will be the only one with the ability to change, modify, or edit documents he or she has filed?

The database is secure, however, a document cannot be altered by the filing party, after the file has been transmitted to the IPUC. If the transmitted document contains errors, the filing party should contact the Commission Secretary and request removal of the filing.

15. What happens if there is a system failure and parties are unable to transmit documents by E-mail to the IPUC?

In the event of a system failure users of the electronic filing system would revert to filing of a CD or paper filings.