Industry Rule 3. Notice to Affected Customers
On the date that is 25 days before the advice letter's requested effective date, or on the date that the Utility submits the advice letter to the Telecommunications Advice Letter Coordinator, whichever date is earlier, the Utility shall give notice to each affected customer of the advice letter if it requests approval of a Transfer, Withdrawal of Service, or higher rates or charges or more restrictive terms or conditions.
Whenever this customer notice is of an advice letter submitted or required to be submitted in Tier 3 (see Industry Rule 7.3), the notice shall contain information regarding procedure for protests, as follows: "The proposed [insert Transfer, Withdrawal of Service, or higher rates or charges or more restrictive terms or conditions, as appropriate] is being submitted by Advice Letter ______ [insert advice letter number] for review and possible approval by the California Public Utilities Commission. Anyone may object to that advice letter by sending a written protest to: Telecommunications Advice Letter Coordinator, Telecommunications Division, 505 Van Ness Ave., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298. The protest shall state specifically the grounds on which it is based. The protest must be received by the Telecommunications Advice Letter Coordinator no later than 20 days after the date that the advice letter is reported in the Daily Calendar of the California Public Utilities Commission. On or before the day that the protest is sent to the Telecommunications Advice Letter Coordinator, the protestant shall send a copy of the protest to ________________ [insert name and address of person whom the Utility has designated in the advice letter to receive protests]. To view the Commission's Daily Calendar or to get further information about the Commission's procedures for advice letters and protests, go to the Commission's Internet site ( www.cpuc.ca.gov)."
3.1 Customer Notice of Transfer
If a Utility requests approval of a Transfer, the notice shall identify the new service provider, describe the changes (if any) in rates, charges, terms, or conditions of service, and state that customers have the right to select a new service provider.
3.2 Customer Notice of Withdrawal
If a Utility requests approval of a Withdrawal of Service, the notice shall also describe the proposed Withdrawal. In the case of a Withdrawal from providing Basic Service, the notice shall describe the arrangements the Utility has made to ensure continuity of service to affected customers. If the Utility resells Basic Service (or service element thereof), the arrangements shall include notice to affected customers that they may choose another service provider or (if no other service provider is chosen) receive Basic Service from the underlying carrier or Carrier of Last Resort. If the Utility is proposing Withdrawal of Basic Service that it provides using its own facilities, the Utility must arrange for Transfer of its customers to another Utility. (See Industry Rules 3.1, 8.5, 8.6.)
3.3 Customer Notice of Higher Rates, More Restrictive Terms
If a Utility requests approval of higher rates or charges or more restrictive terms or conditions, the notice shall also state the current and proposed rates, charges, terms, or conditions (as appropriate). If the Utility requesting such approval is a GRC-LEC, the notice shall also state the reasons for the proposed change and the impact of any proposed change to a rate or charge, expressed in dollar and percentage terms.
