PUC hosts public comment for Suicide Prevention Hotline surcharges

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
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DENVER — A Public Utilities Commission (PUC) administrative law judge will conduct a remote public comment hearing on Tuesday, October 5, to take comment and ask questions regarding the proposed surcharge for Colorado’s Suicide Prevention Hotline, which Coloradoans can quickly and easily access by dialing 9-8-8.

The public comment hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last until concluded, but no later than 5:00 p.m. Individuals who wish to provide public comments during the hearing may do so either by telephone or computer. Detailed instructions on how to participate by phone or computer can be found in the decision setting the public comment hearing.

The proposed rulemaking is intended to establish how the PUC will receive the surcharges from telecom providers and how audits will be conducted. This rulemaking procedure will not determine the amount that is charged to customers, which is set annually by the 9-8-8 Enterprise Board. The surcharges are estimated to be $0.18 per line, and by Colorado statue cannot exceed $0.30 per line.

Individuals who wish to review the proposed cost recovery plan prior to the public comment hearing can access it through the PUC’s E-Filings system, searching for proceeding number 21R-0394T.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the remote public comment hearing may also submit written comments about the proposal by using the PUC’s on-line comment form at https://puc.colorado.gov/puccomments under proceeding 21R-0394T.

About PUC

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of our state.

About DORA

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit www.dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855/toll free 1-800-886-7675.

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