Public Utilities Commission 2008 Annual Report Filing Instructions for Local Exchange Telephone Companies

Annual Report Filing Instructions for Local Exchange Telephone Companies

The PUCO is making several changes in the processing of 2008 annual reports for local exchange telephone companies.  

A. First, all regulated telephone companies are directed to subscribe to a new industry listserve by selecting the Docketing link on the PUCO Home page (www.puco.ohio.gov). Then click on the Industry Listserve Sign Up link and subscribe to the TELEPHONE list. The Commission is exploring the use of this method of e-mail service to increase efficiency and reduce postage expenses in the future. Companies should subscribe multiple addresses and take appropriate actions to ensure that electronic mail service from the Commission is not blocked or disabled. 

B. Second, the Commission is requesting all local exchange telephone companies to make parallel filings of their annual reports by both paper and electronically.  Electronic filing for this industry segment consists of (1) completing the on-line web application, and (2) electronically filing the completed report using the PUCO’s Docketing Information System (DIS). Both steps require the filer to have a PUCO account (a username and password used for e-filing documents in DIS).

• Filers who already have a PUCO account and have made e-filings using DIS can skip this step, and go to step C.
• Filers who do not already have a PUCO account should first review the electronic filing manual posted under the electronic filing link at www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/docketing/. In order to participate in the e-filing program, filers need to submit an electronic filing participation agreement and create a PUCO account (obtain a username and password) by going to www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/docketing/ and clicking on Get a NEW PUCO Account. After creating an account, you will be able to log in to DIS and create an e-filing profile. (Please see steps 3 and 4 in the electronic filing manual for further details.)

C. Once you have a PUCO account (username and password), send an email message to docketing@puc.state.oh.us with “annual report web application” in the subject line, and listing the following information in the text of the message:

• Your PUCO username
• Each company you will be filing on behalf of
• Your name
• Your phone number

You will be sent instructions for completing your annual report using the web application.

D. Upon completing the annual report, the web application will allow you to print a hard copy and save a PDF (portable document format) version to your computer. The company should sign the hard copy of the report, and scan the signature pages to create PDF versions of those pages. The company should then combine these PDF files or upload both files in the E-filing process in Case No. 09-1-AU-UNC by April 30, 2009. (Please see the electronic filing manual for further details on the filing process.)  If you are unable to successfully complete this process, or wish to submit comments or suggestions regarding the annual report web application, the e-filing process or electronic mail service, please file your comments by paper or electronically in Case No. 09-1-AU-UNC by April 30, 2009.  

E. The company must also submit a paper copy in the traditional manner, by printing a hard copy, obtaining all required signatures, and filing the hard copy with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and Ohio Consumers’ Counsel no later than April 30, 2009.

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Docketing Division
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

AND

Ohio Consumers’ Counsel
State of Ohio
10 West Broad Street, Suite 1800
Columbus, Ohio  43215-3485

Please contact the PUCO Docketing Division at (614) 466-4095 should you have any questions or need technical assistance.