13. Rate Disclosure Requirements

TURN advocated a set of rules that would require all carriers to provide their rate terms in writing in response to a consumer request. TURN noted that consumers are often confused by long distance service price offers which can contain hidden costs. TURN proposed that all carriers be required to provide written rates, terms and conditions upon request. TURN noted that a standardized disclosure format would be most desirable but is impractical given the complexity of most long-distance pricing.

In its Report, Staff recommended that this issue be taken up in the Commission's review of General Order 96-A, which covers the availability of utility information. TURN declares this to be consigning the issue to oblivion because it will be ignored in the multi-issue GO 96-A proceeding.

TURN's fears have not been realized in the GO 96-A proceeding. There the Commission has explicitly addressed the issues of customer notice of rate increases and the availability of information on services. Specifically, the Commission clarified that the purpose of required tariff rule 12 was to "ensure that the utility informs customers of new or optional services and rates, and that the public can determine how to get information on kinds of services that the utility offers, the prices and terms of service, any conditions on eligibility, and the like." Rulemaking for purposes of revising General Order 96-A regarding informal filings at the Commission, R.98-07-038, at pp. 24-25. Nontariffed service providers are subject to the very rule TURN advocates: "[r]ate information and information regarding the terms and conditions of service shall be provided in writing upon request." Rulemaking on the Commission's Own Motion to Establish a Simplified Registration Process for Nondominant Telecommunications Firms, R.94-02-003/I.94-02-004, at p.10-11 (D.98-08-031). Thus, far from oblivion, TURN's recommendation is being considered for tariffed services and has been adopted for detariffed services.