Countywide : PUC Hearings on Phone Rate Increases Scheduled

Two public hearings on a proposed Pacific Bell rate increase of almost $1 billion have been scheduled for May 23 in the Board of Supervisors hearing room, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana.

The meetings, called by the state Public Utilities Commission, are at 2 and 7 p.m.

If approved by the PUC, the telephone company’s $975-million request would take effect Jan. 1, 1986.

Premium service, with unlimited outgoing local calls, would be raised from $8.25 to $10.67. Measured service, which gives customers a $3 allowance for local calls, would increase from $4.56 to $5.76.

The company’s $1.48-per-month Lifeline rate for low-income households and the 20-cent pay phone charges would not change. Dave Carroll, Pacific Bell’s area manager, said the company is seeking the additional charges to meet increased operating costs and to modernize its equipment.

“We’re adding customers at a rate of about 17,500 a month,” he added.

Carroll said the communications industry is changing so quickly that it is no longer possible to pay for new equipment over an extended 30- or 40-year period. “We must keep pace with it or fall behind,” he said.

Those wishing to participate in the hearing may submit written comments or make a brief oral statement. For information, contact PUC Public Adviser, 350 McAllister St., San Francisco 94102.