Colorado Public Utilities Commission Issues Decision on Customer Education for Telecommunications Service Providers

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has issued Decision No. C22-0229, requiring telecommunications service providers to notify customers about the Colorado Universal Service Charge, also known as the Colorado High Cost Support Mechanism (CHCSM) rate element. This decision aims to educate customers about the charge and its purpose. The notification is to be provided to customers starting with the first billing cycle of the third quarter of 2022.

Key Takeaways:

• Telecommunications service providers collecting the CHCSM rate element are required to provide customers with customer education material as ordered by the Commission.
• The customer education material shall be made available to customers by a message directly printed on the bill, by bill insert, by separate first class mail, text message, or any combination of these alternatives.
• The language for the customer notification message for the first billing cycle of the third quarter of 2022 is attached as Attachment A to the Decision.
• Telecommunications providers have sufficient time to implement the continuing customer CHCSM education material within the first billing cycle of the third quarter of 2022.
• The Commission orders all telecommunications service providers required to contribute to the Colorado High Cost Support Mechanism to provide their customers with customer education information describing the "Colorado Universal Service Charge" rate element.
• The required continuing customer Colorado High Cost Support Mechanism education notification is to be completed in the first billing cycle of the third quarter of 2022.
• The 20-day time period for filing applications for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration begins on the first day after the mailing of this Decision.
• This Decision is effective on its Mailed Date.

Statistics:

• 4 Code of Colorado Regulations 723-2-2845(e) governs telecommunications services and providers.
• 20 days: the time period for filing applications for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration.
• 3rd quarter: the time period within which the continuing customer CHCSM education material is to be implemented.
• 2022: the calendar year within which the required continuing customer Colorado High Cost Support Mechanism education notification is to be completed.

Sources:

• Decision No. C22-0229, Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, Proceeding No. 98M-236T.
• 4 Code of Colorado Regulations 723-2-2845(e).
• SS 40-6-114(1), C.R.S.