Press Release

Public Hearings Set to Discuss Local Calling Area in Bucks County

Published on 4/4/2005

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on a complaint filed by the State Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) alleging that the local calling area of the Uhlerstown exchange in BucksCounty is unreasonably small.

PUC Administrative Law Judge Angela T. Jones will conduct hearings in:

·        Erwinna,Bucks County, on Thursday, April 7, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Delaware Valley Volunteer Fire Company Building, 75 Headquarters Road.

Customers in the Uhlerstown exchange have a “294” telephone prefix and are served by Commonwealth Telephone.

Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case. The following tips will help customers who want to participate at the public input hearings:

·        Come early. Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing. 

·        Sign in to testify when you arrive. The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.

·        Prepare what you are going to say beforehand. Even though it's not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.

·        Bring copies. If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you. Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.

·        Be sworn in. Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you are sworn in as a witness.

·        Plan to be questioned. Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said. Listen to the whole question. Answer as best you can. It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  C-20043751

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