The Missouri Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water and sewer and telephone companies. Its mission is to ensure Missouri consumers have access to safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service while allowing those utility companies under our jurisdiction an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on their investment. The PSC also regulates manufacturers and retail dealers who sell new and used manufactured homes and modular units. The commission was established in 1913. The PSC is comprised of five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor.
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PR-09-27 -- PSC To Review Relay Missouri Surcharge
Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- AUGUST 22, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Public Service Commission has opened a case to review the current surcharge that appears on the monthly telephone bills of Missourians to fund Relay Missouri, a statewide dual-party telephone relay service for the deaf, hearing-impaired and speech-impaired.
Relay Missouri provides telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hearing-impaired and speech-impaired. Specially trained communication assistants translate calls so that deaf, hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals can communicate with any other party.
Relay Missouri is funded through a monthly, per line surcharge. The current surcharge is $0.13. After reviewing anticipated fund expenditures and payments, the PSC staff has recommended the surcharge be reduced to $0.11. Responses to the PSC staff recommendations must be filed no later than September 10, 2008.
Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than September 10, 2008, with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102. Copies of the application should be sent to the Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230.
The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency which represents the general public in matters before the commission. Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone (866) 922-2959, e-mail opcservice@ded.mo.gov) or the Public Service Commission staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, e-mail pscinfo@psc.mo.gov).
The Missouri General Assembly established Relay Missouri in 1990. Under state law, the commission is required to review the surcharge at least every two years, but not more than on an annual basis. The review is to ascertain that necessary funds are available for providing the program.
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