Mergers, Cramming, Gas Supply Issues Top NARUC Annual Meeting Agenda

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November 16, 2011

ST. LOUIS—Merger requirements, cramming, and natural gas supply issues lead the agenda of the just-concluded Annual 123rd National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Meeting in St. Louis.

In several resolutions approved at the conclusion of the meeting today, NARUC members urged the Federal Communications Commission to follow up on conditions imposed on recent merger approvals and adopt mandatory cramming rules for all voice-service providers.

The Association also adopted resolutions promoting sustainable natural gas development, supporting the National Petroleum Council’s recent report on gas resources, and supporting the Troops to Energy Jobs initiative.

Text of the resolutions will be posted online soon. Below is a brief summary of each resolution.

Resolution on Ensuring Sustainable Natural Gas Development           
This resolution commends the American Gas Association and the Shale Gas Subcommittee of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board for their efforts and supports for the continuous improvement of shale gas production in a cost-effective and environmentally-responsible manner.

Resolution Supporting the National Petroleum Council’s 2011 North American Resource Development (NARD) Study – “Prudent Development: Realizing the Potential of North America’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources”               
This resolution supports the National Petroleum Council’s 2011 North American Resource Development Study - “Prudent Development: Realizing the Potential of North America’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources Report.”

Resolution on Accountability for FCC Imposed Merger Public Interest Commitments to Deploy Broadband Infrastructure and Adoption Programs                           
This resolution respectfully requests that the Federal Communications Commission undertake a public inquiry to assess the extent to which public interest broadband deployment and adoption obligations imposed on previously approved merger applicants are being met.
           

Resolution Urging the Federal Communications Commission to Protect All Voice Service Consumers from Cramming Billing Practices   
This resolution urges the FCC to implement mandatory cramming rules to all voice service providers that assess telephone bills on consumers, including traditional wireline service providers, interconnected Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, and wireless service providers.

Resolution Supporting the Troops to Energy Jobs Initiative

This resolution supports the mission and efforts of the Troops to Energy Jobs Initiative.

Resolution Affirming International Membership & Benefits

This resolution will offer “International Affiliate” membership on a complimentary (zero fee) basis to all international regulators interested in affiliating with NARUC, but who are unlikely to ever attend NARUC meetings
 

NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.

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