the regulatory mix

The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court, issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Regulatory Bulletin.

 

 

TELECOM

 

US Congress

The House Communications and Technology Subcommittee announced it will conduct an FCC oversight hearing on May 20, 2014. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will be the sole witness. According to Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) issues to be discussed include: “recent proposals regarding the incentive auctions, the latest iteration of the administration’s ill advised net neutrality policies, and the broadcast joint sharing agreements and media ownership proceedings at the commission. Process reform also remains a top priority for the committee, and we look forward to discussing this with the chairman.”

 

Massachusetts

The Department of Telecommunications and Cable has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for April 30, 2014, and May 1, 2014, to hear testimony and conduct direct examination of the witnesses in its investigation of whether an agreement entered into by Verizon for the exchange of VoIP traffic in IP format is an interconnection agreement that must be filed for approval.  The Department found that the applicability of 47 U.S.C. §§ 251 and 252 to agreements for the exchange of voice traffic in IP format is important and warrants the development of a complete record through the administrative hearing process.  TMI Regulatory Bulletin Service subscribers see Massachusetts Bulletin dated April 28, 2014.

 

 

ENERGY

 

Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has posted a notice extending the deadline to apply for fuel assistance (LIHEAP) for the 2013-2014 winter season to May 15, 2014. http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/electric-power/customer-rights-and-info/consumer-assistance/winter-heating.html.

 

Regulatory Briefing

 

 

Energy Industry Bulletin

 

Net Metering Whitepaper