STATE : Commission Orders Pacific Bell to Reduce Telephone Rates 6%

SAN FRANCISCO — The state Public Utilities Commission today cut Pacific Bell telephone rates by 6% for next year, saying the average residential customer’s bill would drop by $1.15 a month.

PUC ordered a $391-million reduction for Pacific Bell, $152 million more than the company requested. The commission’s consumer staff division had recommended a $500-million cut.

A typical residential customer’s monthly bill for basic service, local toll calls and other charges will drop from $26 to $24.85 in January, PUC said.

The commission approved a $32-million rate increase for GTE California, the state’s other major phone company, but delayed a 1.9% rise in phone bills until later in 1990 when other decisions may affect rates.