Q. Process and rules for filing a document with the Public Service Commission
A. Filing Requirments and Working for Utah Rule

Q: Why has the PSC made the decision to implement a new area code 801 overlay
A: History and Reasoning behind the decision

Q: Utah Code 54-17-501 allows, under certain circumstances, an electric utility to ask for a waiver of the requirement that the utility obtain a significant energy resource by conducting a solicitation. How do I go about signing up to receive notice and information when a utility seeks a waiver to obtain a significant energy resource without conducting a solicitation?
A: Utah Code 54-17-501 requires a utility to provide notice and information about its waiver request to individuals who have indicated an interest and who have agreed to abide by the terms of a Protective Order controlling the use of the information provided. In Docket No. 07-035-15 Rocky Mountain Power requested that the Commission issue the Generic Protective Order required by the statute. The Protective Order was issued in Docket No. 07-999-03. The Protective Order, a blank Appendix A, and the individuals who have previously signed are available in Docket No. 07-999-03. If you want access to confidential information, you must agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Generic Protective Order. The blank Appendix A will have instructions on how to return the form to the Public Service Commission.

Q: What is DTV and why the switch?
A: A law passed by Congress in 2006 will dramatically impact the way 214,500 Utah residents view television starting in February 2009.

Television will change dramatically on February 17, 2009, when all full-power television stations across the country complete the federally mandated transition from analog to digital broadcasting. Consumers have much to gain from digital television (DTV), including more free channels, crystal-clear pictures and high quality sound. However, 214,500 Utah households that receive television through antennas risk losing reception unless they take easy steps to upgrade.

Link to DTVAnswers, this website will have answers about converter boxes, choosing an antenna, why the switch and who's affected.

Q: How do I get assistance with my utility bills?
A: Link to energy assistant programs

Q: How can I reduce my utility bills?
A: Link to tips on how to save energy in a home or business

Q: Who sets the price of natural gas?
A: The natural gas wholesale price is set in the marketplace; in the 1980’s the federal government stopped regulating natural gas prices at the wellhead. Wholesale prices reflect conditions of supply, demand, storage and transportation cost.

Q: Why doesn't the Commission doing anything about the high price of natural gas?
A: Recent rate increases are driven by increases in the wholesale price of natural gas which are determined by its market value.

One strategy Questar Gas uses to manage its natural gas costs is to produce about half of the natural gas that it supplies to Utah customers from Questar-owned reserves. In response to a settlement between state regulators, consumer advocates and Questar Gas, the Commission required the company to retain its own production capability in the 1980's. Questar-owned natural gas is provided to customers at cost rather than at market value; the cost of company-owned gas is currently far below market value and this supply helps keep rates lower and more stable than otherwise. However, there is not enough company-owned natural gas to meet all of Utah's demand for natural gas. Questar Gas purchases the balance of its natural gas supply from the wholesale market and provides this gas to customers at the purchased cost with no markup.

Q: Do the rates I pay on my gas bill ever go down?
A: Yes. Since 1988, gas rates have decreased 24 times and increased 16 times based on the changing prices of natural gas in the wholesale market.

Q: Why does the Public Service Commission grant multiple rate increases when Questar is reporting record profits?
A: The simple answer is that Questar Gas Company (QGC) is not making record profits. The confusion lies in the fact that QGC, the distribution company that provides natural gas service to your home, is owned by a parent company called Questar Corporation. It is Questar Corporation, not the regulated utility QGC, that is reporting high returns. Today, Questar reports that QGC makes up only 7 percent of Questar Corporation. State regulators regularly audit QGC returns to ensure it earns no more than the Commission's authorized return, currently 11.2 percent. Other companies owned by Questar Corporation are contributing to its reported high returns. The profits earned by other Questar Corporation companies are not regulated by the Utah Public Service Commission.

Higher wholesale price to purchase natural gas is the reason for the recent rate increase granted QGC by the Utah Public Service Commission. The cost of QGC natural gas purchases are passed through to customers dollar for dollar, without a mark up.

Q: Is there any help for customers who can’t pay their bill?
A: There are several things customers can do to better cope with high bills.

1. First, use energy wisely by properly maintaining your equipment, insulating your home and considering the use of proven technology like setback thermostats.

2. Budget-billing options are available that allow you to spread your costs evenly throughout the year.

3. We have approved Questar Gas's Therm Wise program that provides home energy audits and rebates for customers who buy high efficiency appliances or install energy-saving measures such as additional insulation and high efficiency windows. See www.ThermWise.com for details.

4. The Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) and REACH programs can help qualified applicants with their heating bills in the winter months. HEAT funding runs from October 1 through the end of February.

5. Customers can also apply for a weatherization program that helps find ways to increase energy efficiency in their homes -- by installing weather stripping, caulking, insulation, etc. Information on these programs is available at:

   Home Energy Assistance Targer (HEAT) Program
   Questar Gas Assistance Programs

Q: Why have Rocky Mountain Power’s electric rates increased?
A: Most Utah Power customers saw about a 10% rate increase effective April 1, 2004. Customers with higher usage may see larger percent increases. The increase was needed to cover the utility’s increased cost of serving Utah customers. New electric generation, transmission and distribution plant investment was needed to meet PacifiCorp’s growing electrical load and to meet reliability requirements. Utah customers are constructing larger homes and are replacing energy efficient evaporative coolers with central air-conditioning units that use more electricity. The company’s employee expenses have also increased. Three percent of the increase was to fund Utah Power’s demand-side management programs. These programs fund cost-effective investments to reduce peak loads that drive the need for more power. Even with this rate increase, the bill for the average Utah Power residential customer using about 700 kwh per month is lower than it was on April 1, 1988 (16 years ago).

Q: If a customer has called the utility customer service, and they still have additional questions, who handles complaints regarding telephone/electric/water/gas bills or services?
A: Rea Petersen, Valerie Stewart, or Ross Hudson, at the Division of Public Utilities. These individuals are complaint specialists who can be reached by telephone at (801) 530-7622, (801) 530-6652, or 1- (800) 874-0904. They are able to resolve most complaints. If the complaint can't be resolved, it is referred to the Public Service Commission. For more information on complaints, click here

Q: Does the Public Service Commission regulate wireless or cellular telephone companies?
A: No, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates wireless or cellular phone companies. The FCC can be reached toll free at 1- (888) 225-5322 or the non-toll free number is 1-202-418-1310.

Q: How do I know what has been filed with the Public Service Commission?
A: All documents filed with the Public Service Commission are logged into a file on the website. PSC Log

Q: How do I submit a filing with the Commission?
A: Submit a filing by sending the Commission:

1) The original plus five hard copies (For Testimony, include fifteen copies) to:
Attn: Julie Orchard
Heber M. Wells Building, 4th Floor
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

2) Include a disk or CD with an electronic copy in Word or WordPerfect format only, with the hard copies, or send by email to mlivingston@utah.gov

3) If a utility application is being filed with the Commission for the first time, a $100 filing fee is required.

Q: How can I receive an electronic copy of a filing?
A: An electronic copy can be ordered by calling the Commission at (801) 530-6716 or by calling toll free at 1- (866 )PSC - UTAH. Before you call, it is helpful to know the docket number of the filing, a description of what was filed, and the filing date. That information can be located on the PSC Log.

Q: Are copies of filings available on the website?
A: Most filings are not available on the website. Electronic copies can be requested by emailing mlivingston@utah.gov or by calling the Commission at 801-530-6716.

Q: How do I find information on a certain docket, i.e. updates on latest filings, what has been filed by which party, date of filing, etc.?
A: To find the latest issues on a specific docket go to the Log on the PSC Website and find the docket number you are interested in. The Log is set up by the date it was filed, the docket number, and a brief description of what was filed.
Example:
Date - 04/02/07
Docket # - 07-035-09
# of copies (1) Description CORRESPONDENCE FROM PACIFICORP  In the Matter of the Termination of Electrical Service Where Life Support Equipment is Used: Etta Escarzega

Q: Where can I look to find when and where a hearing is scheduled?
A: A calendar on the PSC website will show the date and time for all hearings and technical conferences scheduled for the Public Service Commission. Click on the Calendar

Q: What is a docket number, how is it assigned, and how do I get one?
A: A docket number is issued by the Commission when a new filing is made. The first two numbers are created by combining the last two digits of the current year. For example if the filing is a Qwest filing and it is filed on December 1, 2003, the first 2 digits would be 03. The middle numbers are specific company numbers assigned by the Commission. To continue the example, Qwest's number is 049, so thus far we have 03-049. The last digits are determined by the filing sequence made during any given year. In the year 2003, Qwest has 85 filings, so the next assigned docket number for Qwest would be 03-049-86.

Q: Can I pay my utility bill at the Public Service Commission?
A: No, the Public Service Commission does not accept payments for utility bills.
Questar Gas
Qwest
Rocky Mountain Power

Q: What involvement does the Commission have with deaf and hard-of-hearing issues?
A: The PSC administers the deaf relay funds for the State of Utah. For programs and information related to this issue, visit Relay Utah.

Q. Where can I find a history of Utah's electric and natural gas utility rates?
A. Gas Rate Changes Updated 2/08 / Electric Rate Changes Updated 2/08

Q. What is happening to gas prices in Utah?
A. Read the press release about gas prices in Utah

Q: Where can I find other helpful FAQ's?
A: Division of Public Utilities FAQ's

Links to Other Websites

Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility
To enhance the daily experience of lawyers and the reputation of the Bar as a whole, the Utah Supreme Court, by order dated October 16, 2003, approved the following Standards of Professionalism and Civility as recommended by its Advisory Committee on Professionalism.