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This Week in the PSC: August 28, 2019

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Public Service Commission (PSC) reversed two decisions by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) at its weekly agenda meeting Wednesday. 

First, the commission unanimously approved an order overturning NANPA’s decision to deny the request from Teleport Communications America, LLC, to obtain a block of numbers from which direct inward dialing (DID) numbers could be drawn. The numbers were needed by the Saint Luke’s Health System in Clinton, according to the PSC. 

The commission also reversed NANPA’s denial to MCImetro Access Transmission Services, LLC, doing business as Verizon, which requested numbering resources to service Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus. 

Verizon had requested 2,000 contiguous DID numbers in the 636 numbering plan area. 

Commissioners also approved an order granting a local public hearing as Confluence Rivers Utility Operating Company, Inc. seeks to acquire water and sewer systems owned by Port Perry Service Company in Perry County as well as a related certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN). The request was made by the Lake Perry Lot Owners’ Association, and the PSC noted granting such a request isn’t typical. 

“While the commission may not typically conduct local public hearings in CCN cases, I think the circumstances in this case are a little bit different, and it’s important that the public has an opportunity to voice their thoughts on the sale that may impact their water and sewer services,” PSC Chairman Ryan Silvey said. 

The PSC set an evidentiary hearing for Oct. 7-8 and allowed a judge to set a hearing date. 

Additionally, the PSC took a look at Ameren’s application and tariff sheet regarding its electric vehicle charging incentive program, called “Charge Ahead.” Commissioners approved an order suspending the tariffs and setting up a presentation from the company scheduled for Oct. 9.  

According to the PSC’s order, Ameren’s program includes corridor, multi-family, public, and workplace charging for the vehicles. Only the corridor charging program has been approved by the PSC — in February. 

Silvey said he didn’t want to delay the program but wanted more information from the results of a working group in an upcoming report. 

The commission additionally denied a rehearing request from the Office of Public Counsel regarding a certificate of convenience and necessity granted to Empire District Electric Company related to wind generation facilities in June.

The PSC was also part of the major restructuring of four state agencies finalized on Wednesday. The commission is now housed under the newly-named Department of Commerce and Insurance.