ARC 0602D

ARC 0602D

UTILITIES COMMISSION[199]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to citations and administrative corrections and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Utilities Commission hereby proposes to amend Chapter 6, “Complaint Procedures,” Chapter 9, “Restoration of Agricultural Lands During and After Pipeline Construction,” Chapter 10, “Intrastate Gas Pipelines and Underground Gas Storage,” Chapter 11, “Electric Lines,” Chapter 13, “Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Underground Storage,” Chapter 14, “Electronic Filing,” Chapter 15, “Cogeneration and Small Power Production,” Chapter 16, “Accounting,” Chapter 17, “Assessments,” Chapter 18, “Utility Records,” Chapter 20, “Service Supplied by Rate-Regulated Electric Utilities,” Chapter 24, “Location and Construction of Electric Power Generating Facilities,” Chapter 25, “Iowa Electrical Safety Code,” Chapter 26, “Rate Cases, Tariffs, and Rate Regulation Election Practice and Procedure,” Chapter 31, “Access to Affiliate Records, Requirements for Annual Filings, and Service and Asset Transfer Costing Standards,” Chapter 35, “Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Planning and Reporting for Rate-Regulated Natural Gas and Electric Utilities,” Chapter 39, “Universal Service,” Chapter 41, “Ratemaking Principles Proceeding,” Chapter 42, “Crossing of Railroad Rights-of-Way,” Chapter 45, “Electric Interconnection of Distributed Generation Facilities,” and Chapter 2506, “Contested Cases,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapters 476, 479 and 479B and sections 17A.3, 17A.4, 17A.9, 474.4, 474.5, 476.1, 476.1B, 476.2, 476.73, 476.74, 476A.12, 478.19 and 478.20.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapters 476A, 478, 479 and 479B and sections 17A.2 to 17A.4, 17A.5, 17A.6, 17A.7, 17A.9, 474.5, 476.1, 476.2, 476.3, 476.6, 476.7, 476.8, 476.20, 476.31, 476.33, 476.54, 476.66, 476.73, 476.74, 476.78, 476.83, 476.95B, 476.102, 478.18 through 478.20 and 479.29.

Purpose and Summary

    This rulemaking is proposed to ensure that the Commission’s rules contain correct citations and grammar post-Executive Order 10 review. This rulemaking will help make utility regulation more efficient in Iowa. Additional amendments that help make utility regulation more efficient for the Commission and stakeholders are also being proposed. The Commission issued an order commencing rulemaking on August 21, 2026. The order is available on the Commission’s electronic filing system, efs.iowa.gov, under Docket No. RMU-2025-0199.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on November 26, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   December 22, 2025

Fiscal Impact

    This rulemaking is intended to correct citations and grammar following the Commission’s Executive Order 10 review.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Commission for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 7—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Commission no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 6, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

    Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Commission and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Amend subrule 6.4(1) as follows:

    6.4(1) After the utility’s response is received, commission staff may request additional information deemed necessary to complete the investigation and resolve the complaint. When all necessary information has been received and the investigation is complete, commission staff shall, within 30 days, send a letter with a proposed resolution of the complaint to the complainant, the utility, and the consumer advocate. Staff shall notify the complainant, the utility, and consumer advocate when the investigation is complete and the 30-day time period to issue a proposed resolution commences. A staff finding that the utility subject to a complaint has properly followed Iowa law, the commission’s rules, the company’s tariff, or a combination thereof, or a finding that the company has resolved the complaint, may be considered sufficient to satisfy the proposed resolution requirement.

    ITEM 2.  Amend rule 199—6.6(476) as follows:

199—6.6(476) Applicable procedures. When the complaint is docketed as a formal proceeding, the procedures set forth in 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506 will apply.

    ITEM 3.  Amend rule 199—6.7(476) as follows:

199—6.7(476) Record. The written complaint and all information obtained during the informal investigation shall be uploaded into the electronic filing system formal complaint docket and be made part of the record in the formal complaint proceeding. The information from the informal complaint investigation shall be redacted pursuant to requirements in 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506.

    ITEM 4.  Amend rule 199—6.8(476), introductory paragraph, as follows:

199—6.8(476) Special procedures for complaints alleging unauthorized changes in telecommunications services. Notwithstanding the deregulation of a communications service or facility pursuant to Iowa Code section 476.1D, complaints alleging an unauthorized change in telecommunications service (more information is contained in the “Unauthorized changes in telecommunications service” rule in 199—Chapter 22 rule 199—22.9(476)) will be processed pursuant to this chapter with the following additional or substituted procedures:

    ITEM 5.  Amend paragraph 9.2(1)“d” as follows:

    d.  The point of contact for landowner inquiries or claims as provided for in rule 199—9.5(479,479B) 199—9.6(479,479B).

    ITEM 6.  Amend subrule 9.2(2) as follows:

    9.2(2) Plan variations. The commission may by waiver allow variations from the requirements in this chapter if the pipeline company requesting a waiver is able to satisfy the standards set forth in rule 199—1.3(17A,474,476) 7—Chapter 2504 and if the alternative methods proposed by the pipeline company would restore the land to a condition as good as or better than provided for in this chapter.

    ITEM 7.  Amend rule 199—10.5(479) as follows:

199—10.5(479) Hearing. A hearing shall be set and held in accordance with Iowa Code sections 479.7 and 479.8. Any prehearing proceedings and the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506.

    ITEM 8.  Amend subparagraph 11.5(1)“b”(1) as follows:

    (1)  A map showing the route of the transmission line drawn with reasonable accuracy, considering the scale. The map may be to any scale appropriate for the level of detail to be shown but not smaller than one inch to the mile and is to be legible when printed on paper no larger than 11 by 17 inches 11" by 17". The filing company shall provide the following information: The electric company shall include necessary data files with geographical identifiers that are readable by common internet or software mapping applications (KMZ, shapefile, JSON, etc.) showing the proposed route of the transmission line. The following minimum information shall be provided on the maps:

    1. to 12. No change.

    ITEM 9.  Adopt the following new subparagraph 11.5(1)“e”(7):

    (7)  An updated electronic file with geographic identifiers as required by paragraph 11.5(1)“b” to show the locations and boundaries of the property and the easement boundaries for which the electric company is seeking eminent domain.

    ITEM 10.  Amend paragraph 11.7(2)“b” as follows:

    b.  Exhibit B. A map showing the route of the transmission line drawn with reasonable accuracy, considering the scale. The map may be to any scale appropriate for the level of detail to be shown but not smaller than one inch to the mile and legible when printed on paper no larger than 11 by 17 inches 11" by 17". The following information shall be provided: The electric company shall include necessary data files with geographical identifiers that are readable by common internet or software mapping applications (KMZ, shapefile, JSON, etc.) showing the proposed route of the transmission line. The following minimum information shall be provided on the maps:

    (1) to (7) No change.

    ITEM 11.  Amend paragraph 11.7(2)“e” as follows:

    e.  Exhibit E. A statement that the right of eminent domain is not being requested. and an updated electronic file with geographic identifiers as required by paragraph 11.5(1)“b.”

    ITEM 12.  Amend paragraph 11.8(1)“b” as follows:

    b.  Exhibit B. A map showing the route of the transmission line drawn with reasonable accuracy, considering the scale. The map may be to any scale appropriate for the level of detail to be shown but not smaller than one inch to the mile and legible when printed on paper no larger than 11 by 17 inches 11" by 17". The following information shall be provided: The electric company shall include necessary data files with geographical identifiers that are readable by common internet or software mapping applications (KMZ, shapefile, JSON, etc.) showing the proposed route of the transmission line. The following minimum information shall be provided on the maps:

    (1) to (6) No change.

    ITEM 13.  Amend rule 199—13.6(479,479B) as follows:

199—13.6(479,479B) Hearing. Hearings required under this chapter will comply with Iowa Code chapter 17A and sections 479.7 and 479B.6 and 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506.

    ITEM 14.  Amend rule 199—14.3(17A,476), definition of “Registered user,” as follows:

    “Registered user” means a person who has complied with the commission’s requirements in rule 199—14.6(17A,476) to obtain a user ID and password in order to view or submit filings for the commission’s consideration through EFS.

    ITEM 15.  Rescind the definition of “Guest user” in rule 199—14.3(17A,476).

    ITEM 16.  Rescind subrule 14.5(1) and adopt the following new subrule in lieu thereof:

    14.5(1) Signatures. The use of a user ID and password in accordance with the registration procedures specified in rule 199—14.6(17A,476) constitutes the filer’s signature. Filers should use “/s/” followed by the signer’s name to indicate a signature where applicable. All pleadings shall include a signature block containing the signer’s name, title, address, email address, and telephone number.

    ITEM 17.  Amend rule 199—14.8(17A,476) as follows:

199—14.8(17A,476) Maps, plan and profile drawings, and other oversized documents. Any map, plan and profile drawing, or oversized document that is to be filed with the commission should be electronically filed as a PDF (Portable Document Format) or such electronic format as designated by the commission. If the map, drawing, or oversized document cannot be printed on 11- by 17-inch 11" by 17" or smaller-sized paper in legible and usable form, as determined by the commission, the original and four paper copies of each map, drawing, or other document filed pursuant to this rule should also be filed unless more copies are directed by commission order or request. Maps and other documents should be drawn to a scale appropriate for the level of detail to be shown. However, if the map, drawing, or other document is not electronically filed, then the number of paper copies filed is governed by other applicable rules, including the “hearings” rule in 199—Chapter 7 rule 199—2506.23(17A,476), which concerns the required number of copies for evidence introduced at hearing, and 199—Chapter 26, which contains additional requirements regarding the number of paper copies of minimum filing requirements required to be filed in rate and tariff proceedings.

    ITEM 18.  Amend rule 199—14.11(17A,476) as follows:

199—14.11(17A,476) Documents containing confidential material. Confidential documents will not be published in EFS. When filing a document containing confidential information, a person shall file one public version of the document with the confidential information redacted according to the commission’s standards for electronic information and one version of the document containing the confidential information. The two versions of the document should be named according to the following convention: “Document Title—Public” and “Document Title—Confidential.” It is the responsibility of the person submitting a public version of the electronic document to take appropriate measures to ensure that any embedded information for which confidential treatment is sought is nonviewable, nonsearchable, and nonreversible. Each page of the confidential version of the document shall be marked in a way that identifies it as belonging to the confidential version of the document. The confidential material itself is to be highlighted or otherwise distinguished on the page to identify what specific information is confidential. A filing including a document the filer asserts contains confidential information is also to include a separate document containing the request for confidential treatment pursuant to 199—Chapter 1 7—Chapter 2505 and 199—Chapter 2505. Documents that the filer asserts contain confidential information will not be electronically served by EFS, as provided in 199—Chapter 14.

    ITEM 19.  Rescind rule 199—14.12(17A,476).

    ITEM 20.  Renumber rules 199—14.13(17A,476) and 199—14.14(17A,476) as 199—14.12(17A,476) and 199—14.13(17A,476).

    ITEM 21.  Amend renumbered subrule 14.13(2) as follows:

    14.13(2) Service on parties for whom electronic service is not available. The service list in each proceeding will be available in EFS. The list will identify the representatives for each party and will also indicate the parties for whom electronic service is not available. A filer is to serve a paper copy of any electronically filed document on parties entitled to paper service under the “general information” rule in 199—Chapter 7 rule 199—2506.4(17A,474,476) unless the parties agree to other arrangements. The date of service is the day when the document served is deposited in the United States mail or overnight delivery, is delivered in person, or otherwise as the parties may agree. A party serving a paper copy of any electronically filed document on a person for whom electronic service is not available is to file a certificate of service stating the manner in which service on such person was accomplished.

    ITEM 22.  Amend rule 199—15.1(476) as follows:

199—15.1(476) Definitions. Terms defined in the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), in effect on October 24, 1992 [effective date of this rule], 16 U.S.C. 2601, et seq., have the same meaning for purposes of these rules as they have under PURPA, unless further defined in this chapter.

    “AEP facility” means: (1) an electric production facility that derives 75 percent or more of its energy input from solar energy, wind, waste management, resource recovery, refuse-derived fuel, agricultural crops or residues, or wood burning; (2) a hydroelectric facility at a dam; (3) land, systems, buildings, or improvements that are located at the project site and are necessary or convenient to the construction, completion, or operation of the facility; or (4) transmission or distribution facilities necessary to conduct the energy produced by the facility to the purchasing utility.

    “Alternate energy purchase program” or “AEP program” means a utility program that allows customers to contribute voluntarily to the development of alternate energy in Iowa.

    “Avoided costs” means the incremental costs to an electric utility of electric energy or capacity or both that, but for the purchase from the qualifying facility or qualifying facilities, such utility would generate itself or purchase from another source.

    “Backup power” means electric energy or capacity supplied by an electric utility to qualifying facilities and AEP facilities to replace energy ordinarily generated by a facility’s own generation equipment during an unscheduled outage of the facility.

    “CFR” means the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains the general administrative rules adopted by federal departments and agencies, in effect as of July 16, 2025, unless a separate effective date is identified in a specific rule.

    “Distributed generation facility” means a qualifying facility, an AEP facility, or an energy storage facility.

    “Interconnection costs” means the reasonable costs of connection, switching, metering, transmission, distribution, safety provisions, and administrative costs incurred by the electric utility directly related to the installation and maintenance of the physical facilities necessary to permit interconnected operations with qualifying facilities and AEP facilities, to the extent the costs are in excess of the corresponding costs that the electric utility would have incurred if it had not engaged in interconnected operations, but instead generated an equivalent amount of electric energy itself or purchased an equivalent amount of electric energy or capacity from other sources. Interconnection costs do not include any costs included in the calculation of avoided costs.

    “Interruptible power” means electric energy or capacity supplied by an electric utility subject to interruption by the electric utility under specified conditions.

    “Maintenance power” means electric energy or capacity supplied by an electric utility during scheduled outages of qualifying facilities and AEP facilities.

    “Purchase” means the purchase of electric energy or capacity or both from qualifying facilities and AEP facilities by an electric utility.

    “Qualifying facility” means a cogeneration facility or a small power production facility that is a qualifying facility under 18 CFR Part 292, Subpart B, in effect April 5, 2021.

    “Sale” means the sale of electric energy or capacity or both by an electric utility to qualifying facilities and AEP facilities.

    “Supplementary power” means electric energy or capacity supplied by an electric utility, regularly used by qualifying facilities and AEP facilities in addition to that which the facility generates itself.

    “System emergency” means a condition on a utility’s system that is likely to result in imminent significant disruption of service to customers or is imminently likely to endanger life or property.

    ITEM 23.  Amend rule 199—15.3(476) as follows:

199—15.3(476) Information to commission. In addition to the information required to be supplied to the commission under 18 CFR 292.302, in effect April 9, 1980, all rate-regulated electric utilities will maintain records of contracts executed for the purchase, sale, or resale of energy or capacity, which will be made available to the commission upon request. If the purchases or sales are made other than pursuant to the terms of a written contract, then information as to the relevant prices and conditions shall be maintained and made available to the commission upon request.

    ITEM 24.  Amend subrule 15.7(2) as follows:

    15.7(2) The commission may waive this requirement pursuant to rule 199—1.3(17A,474) 199—Chapter 2504 only after notice in the area served by the utility and an opportunity for public comment. The waiver may be granted if compliance with this rule will:

    a. and b. No change.

    ITEM 25.  Amend paragraph 15.9(1)“a” as follows:

    a.  Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources and Associated Electric Power System Interfaces, IEEE Standard 1547, in effect April 6, 2018 as amended through March 9, 2020. For guidance in applying IEEE Standard 1547, the utility may refer to:

    (1) and (2) No change.

    ITEM 26.  Amend rule 199—16.1(476), definition of “Code of Federal Regulations,” as follows:

    “Code of Federal Regulations” or “CFR” means the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains the administrative rules adopted by federal departments and agencies, in effect as of July 16, 2025 [effective date of this rule], unless a separate effective date is identified in a specific rule.

    ITEM 27.  Amend rule 199—16.2(476), introductory paragraph, as follows:

199—16.2(476) Uniform systems of accounts—electric. The uniform systems of accounts for public utilities and licensees subject to the provisions of the Federal Power Act, 18 CFR Part 101 published in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) rules and regulations, and the July 16, 2025 [effective date of this rule], uniform systems of accounts for rural electric cooperatives prescribed for electric borrowers of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), as applicable, are adopted with the following modifications:

    ITEM 28.  Amend subrule 17.8(2) as follows:

    17.8(2) Wireless carriers and wireline local exchange carriers shall file the number of telecommunications service phone numbers with the commission. The number of telecommunications service phone numbers may be filed as confidential and may be withheld from public inspection pursuant to the procedures in 199—Chapter 1 7—Chapter 2505 and 199—Chapter 2505.

    ITEM 29.  Adopt the following new definition of “Code of Federal Regulations” in rule 199—18.1(476):

    “Code of Federal Regulations” or “CFR” means the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains the administrative rules adopted by federal departments and agencies, in effect as of [effective date of this rule], unless a separate effective date is identified in a specific rule.

    ITEM 30.  Amend rule 199—18.4(476) as follows:

199—18.4(476) Electric utilities other than rural electric cooperatives.

    18.4(1) Units of property. Rate-regulated electric utilities shall maintain an accounting system for Units of Property in Accounting for Additions and Retirements of Electric Plant in accordance with the “Uniform systems of accounts—electric rules” rule in 199—Chapter 16 rule 199—16.2(476).

    18.4(2) Preservation of records. All electric utilities subject to regulation by the commission shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of Part 125 of the FERC rules, 18 CFR Part 125, Preservation of Records of Public Utilities and Licensees, as issued on August 15, 2000. Rate-regulated companies shall further ensure the preservation of records of associated companies, whether or not the associated companies are themselves utilities, as necessary to support the cost of services rendered to the utility by the associated companies.

    ITEM 31.  Amend subrule 18.5(1) as follows:

    18.5(1) Units of property. Rural electric cooperatives (RECs) subject to rate regulation by the commission shall adopt the RUS rules contained in 7 CFR Part 1767 published May 27, 2008. The REC shall maintain sufficient records to support additions to plant, retirement units, and replacements of electric plant, in accordance with 7 CFR Section 1767.10, Definitions; 7 CFR Section 1767.15, General Instructions; 7 CFR Section 1767.16, Electric Plant Instructions; and 7 CFR Section 1767.20, Plant Accounts.

    ITEM 32.  Amend rule 199—18.6(476) as follows:

199—18.6(476) Gas utilities.

    18.6(1) Units of property. Rate-regulated gas utilities shall maintain an accounting system for Units of Property in Accounting for Additions and Retirements of Gas Plant in accordance with the “Uniform systems of accounts—electric rules” rule in 199—Chapter 16 rule 199—16.3(476).

    18.6(2) Preservation of records. All gas utilities subject to regulation by the commission shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of FERC rules, 18 CFR Part 225, Preservation of Records of Natural Gas Companies, as issued August 15, 2000. Rate-regulated companies shall further ensure the preservation of records of associated companies, whether or not the associated companies are themselves utilities, as necessary to support the cost of services rendered to the utility by the associated companies.

    ITEM 33.  Amend rule 199—18.7(476) as follows:

199—18.7(476) Water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities.

    18.7(1) Units of property. Rate-regulated water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities shall maintain an accounting system for Units of Property in Accounting for Additions and Retirements of Water Plant in accordance with the “Uniform systems of accounts—electric rules” rule in 199—Chapter 16 rules 199—16.4(476) and 199—16.5(476).

    18.7(2) Preservation of records. All water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities subject to regulation by the commission shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of the NARUC guidelines: Regulations to Govern the Preservation of Records of Electric, Gas and Water Utilities, revised October 2007 2024 edition. Regulated water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities shall further ensure the preservation of records of associated companies, whether or not the associated companies are themselves utilities, as necessary to support the cost of services rendered to the utility by the associated companies.

    ITEM 34.  Amend paragraph 20.3(1)“d” as follows:

    d.  Master-metering to multiple buildings is prohibited, except for multiple buildings owned by the same person or entity. Multitenant buildings within a multiple building complex may be master-metered pursuant to this paragraph only if the requirements of paragraph 20.3(1)“c” 20.3(1)“b” have been met.

    ITEM 35.  Amend rule 199—24.2(476A), definition of “Intervenor,” as follows:

    “Intervenor” means a person who received notice under paragraph 24.6(2)“b,”“c,”“d,” “e,” or “f” and has filed with the commission a written notice of intervention, or a person granted permission to intervene by the commission after filing a petition pursuant to rule 199—7.13(17A,476) 199—2506.13(17A,476).

    ITEM 36.  Amend paragraph 24.6(1)“b” as follows:

    b.  Provision for the publication of notice of the schedule for the hearing held by the commission in the form provided in Iowa Code section 17A.12(2), which notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the proposed site is located once each week for two consecutive weeks with the second publication being no later than 30 days after acceptance of the application as required by Iowa Code section 476A.6.

    ITEM 37.  Amend rule 199—24.8(476A) as follows:

199—24.8(476A) Hearing procedure.

    24.8(1) General. The proceedings conducted by the commission pursuant to this chapter shall be treated in the same manner as a contested case pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 17A. Except where contrary to express provisions below, the hearing procedure shall conform to the commission’s rules of practice and procedure, 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506. The proceeding for the issuance of certificate may be consolidated with the contested case proceeding for determination of applicable ratemaking principles under Iowa Code section 476.53.

    24.8(2) Intervention.

    a. No change.

    b.  Petition to intervene. Any other person wishing to become a party to the contested case proceeding may request to intervene in the proceeding by filing a petition to intervene pursuant to rule 199—7.13(17A,476) 199—2506.13(17A,476) by the deadline set in the procedural schedule.

    c.  Commission discretion. The commission may, in its discretion, grant or deny such petition in accordance with rule 199—7.13(17A,476) 199—2506.13(17A,476).

    24.8(3) No change.

    24.8(4) Application for rehearing. All applications for rehearing will be made and processed in accordance with Iowa Code sections 17A.16(2) and 476.12 and rule 199—7.27(17A,476) 199—2506.27(17A,476).

    ITEM 38.  Amend subrule 24.10(4) as follows:

    24.10(4) Denial. In the event the applicant fails to amend in a timely fashion, or after amendment or reopening the record, or both, the commission remains unable to make an affirmative finding, the commission will deny the application. The applicant may request rehearing on such denial in accordance with Iowa Code sections 17A.16(2) and 476.12 and rule 199—7.27(17A,476) 199—2506.27(17A,476).

    ITEM 39.  Amend subrule 24.14(2) as follows:

    24.14(2) In addition to any other service requirements, an applicant requesting a waiver must serve a copy of the waiver on all owners or of record of real property that adjoins the proposed facility site. 

    ITEM 40.  Amend subparagraph 25.2(2)“b”(4) as follows:

    (4)  Except for clearances near grain bins, for measurements made under field conditions, the commission will consider compliance with the overhead vertical line clearance requirements of Subsection 232 and Table 232-1 of the 1987 NESC indicative of compliance with the 1990 through 2017 2023 editions of the NESC. (For an explanation of the differences between 1987 and subsequent code edition clearances, see Appendix A of the 1990 through 2017 2023 editions of the NESC.)

    ITEM 41.  Amend subrule 26.1(1) as follows:

    26.1(1) This chapter contains utilities commission procedural rules and filing requirements for utility rate cases, other rate tariff filings, and rate regulation election of electric cooperatives. The general contested case procedural rules in 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506 apply to these types of proceedings where the rules in this chapter do not provide specific guidance.

    ITEM 42.  Amend paragraph 26.3(1)“b” as follows:

    b.  Proposed new or changed rates, charges, schedules, or regulations that contain energy efficiency expenditures and related costs for demand-side programs shall not be included in a utility’s proposed tariff that relates to a general increase in revenue. A utility may propose to recover the costs of process-oriented industrial assessments not related to energy efficiency as defined in the definitions rule of 199—Chapter 35 rule 199—35.2(476).

    ITEM 43.  Amend subparagraph 26.4(1)“a”(4) as follows:

    (4)  The notice requirements in this paragraph are not applicable to rate increases for telecommunications services. Notice requirements for intrastate access service rates are subject to the requirements of the “intrastate access charge application, tariff procedures, and rates” rule of 199—Chapter 22 rule 199—22.4(476).

    ITEM 44.  Amend subparagraph 26.4(1)“b”(2) as follows:

    (2)  At a minimum, a nonstandard customer notice shall include the following information:

    1.  If the utility is proposing to place interim temporary rates in effect, an explanation of the interim temporary rate process applicable to the proceeding and, with respect to such proposed interim temporary rates, all of the information that this subrule requires a utility to submit concerning final rates.

    2. to 10. No change.

    11.  A statement indicating that, after a thorough investigation, the commission will make a determination on final rates, which may be different from those that the utility proposes, and that, if final rates are lower than interim temporary rates or the interim temporary rates are not based upon previously established regulatory principles, the utility shall make refunds, including interest, to customers.

    12. No change.

    ITEM 45.  Amend subparagraph 26.4(4)“d”(23) as follows:

    (23)  All testimony and exhibits in support of the rate filing, attached to affidavits of the sponsoring witnesses. All known and measurable changes in costs and revenues upon which the utility relies in its application shall be included.

    1.  Unless otherwise required, all testimony, exhibits, and other information shall be filed in the commission’s electronic filing system as described in the “Electronic filing procedures and required formats” rule of 199—Chapter 14 rule 199—14.5(17A,476). In addition, three paper copies of any documents filed electronically in the commission’s electronic filing system, including confidential information, shall be provided to the commission and three copies to the consumer advocate within five days of the date the application is filed. The utility is not required to print voluminous workpapers that only provide supporting information as long as the utility has filed a summary of the information and the utility includes a page in the printed material that indicates the information in the workpapers that has not been printed and where that information is found in the application or minimum filing requirements. The commission or the consumer advocate may request a printed copy of this information if the information is required for review of the application or minimum filing requirements. The paper copies shall be certified by an officer of the utility or by an attorney representing the utility.

    2. No change.

    ITEM 46.  Amend subrule 26.14(1) as follows:

    26.14(1) Any utility filing an application with the commission requesting a determination of the reasonableness of its rates, charges, schedules, service, or regulations shall submit at the time the application is filed testimony and exhibits to fully support the utility’s filing. All such testimony and exhibits shall be given or presented by competent witnesses, under oath or affirmation, at the proceeding ordered by the commission as a result of the application, and the proceeding shall be governed by the applicable provisions of 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506 and rule 199—26.4(17A,476).

    ITEM 47.  Amend subrule 31.3(2) as follows:

    31.3(2) Contracts, arrangements, or other similar transactions with an affiliate where the consideration is not in excess of $250,000 or 5 percent of the capital equity of the utility, whichever is smaller, are exempt from this filing requirement. In lieu of the filing requirement, the public utility shall file on or before June 30 of each year a report of the total amount of each contract, arrangement, or other similar transactions with affiliates qualifying under this exemption. Each affiliate is to be identified separately.

    ITEM 48.  Amend subrule 35.6(2) as follows:

    35.6(2) Within 30 days after filing, each application for approval of an energy efficiency and demand response plan that is submitted with the information and supporting documentation required by this chapter, and that complies with the filing requirements of 199—Chapter 14, shall be docketed as a contested case proceeding. The Iowa economic development authority shall be considered a party to the proceeding. The proceeding shall follow the applicable provisions of 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506.

    ITEM 49.  Amend rule 199—35.12(476) as follows:

199—35.12(476) New structure energy conservation standards. A utility providing natural gas or electric service shall not provide service to any structure completed after April 1, 1984, unless the owner or builder of the structure has certified to the utility that the building conforms to the energy conservation requirements adopted under 661—Chapter 303 481—Chapter 301, Part 3. If this compliance is already being certified to a state or local agency, a copy of that certification shall be provided to the utility. If no state or local agency is monitoring compliance with these energy conservation standards, the owner or builder shall certify that the structure complies with the standards by signing a form provided by the utility. No certification will be required for structures that are not governed by 661—Chapter 303 481—Chapter 301, Part 3.

    ITEM 50.  Amend paragraph 39.3(2)“g” as follows:

    g.  A detailed description, including a map or maps, of the geographic service area for which the applicant requests an ETC designation from the commission. An applicant seeking designation in connection with a support mechanism through which support is allocated to specific census blocks or locations shall file a list of the census blocks or locations in or at which the applicant will serve as an ETC, in addition to the map included with the description required by this paragraph. Wireless telecommunications carriers, defined as commercial mobile radio service providers in 47 CFR Parts 20 and 24, shall file coverage area maps and maps that depict signal strength. Requests to withhold from public inspection maps depicting signal strength will be deemed granted as provided in 199—Chapter 1 7—Chapter 2505 and 199—Chapter 2505.

    ITEM 51.  Amend rule 199—39.8(476) as follows:

199—39.8(476) Relinquishment of ETC designation.

    39.8(1) The commission may permit an ETC to relinquish its designation as such a carrier in any area served by more than one ETC. An ETC that seeks to relinquish its designation for an area served by more than one ETC shall give 30 days’ advance notice to the commission of such relinquishment. Additionally, the relinquishing carrier must certify to at least one of the following:

    a.   The carrier made a good faith effort to provide 30 days’ advance notice to other ETCs operating in the relinquished service area;

    b.   The carrier has no active customers in the relinquished service area; or

    c.   The carrier has taken the necessary steps to transition all of its customers in the relinquished service area to an alternative ETC.

    39.8(2) A carrier that is granted ETC status in connection with a federal universal support program but that ultimately does not receive the support shall, within 30 days after the FCC issues a public notice regarding the award of support, file a notice of relinquishment of the carrier’s designation for any service areas where the carrier is not awarded funds and does not plan to offer service.

    ITEM 52.  Amend paragraph 41.5(1)“c” as follows:

    c.  A proposed procedural schedule that, at a minimum, provides proposed dates for direct testimony, rebuttal testimony, and a hearing for cross-examination of all testimony. The proposed schedule should generally comply with the commission’s procedural rules in 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506.

    ITEM 53.  Amend subrule 41.5(6) as follows:

    41.5(6) Expedited timeline. The shortened time limits applicable to expedited proceedings in 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506 shall apply to proceedings commenced under this rule.

    ITEM 54.  Amend subrule 42.18(5) as follows:

    42.18(5) Expedited timeline. The commission recognizes that the parties will ordinarily require a swift decision. Therefore, the shortened time limits applicable to expedited proceedings in 199—Chapter 7 199—Chapter 2506 shall apply to contested cases brought under this chapter.

    ITEM 55.  Amend rule 199—45.1(476), definition of “UL Standard 1741,” as follows:

    “UL Standard 1741” means the standard titled “Inverters, Converters, Controllers, and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources,” January 28, 2010, edition September 28, 2021, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

    ITEM 56.  Amend paragraph 45.3(1)“a” as follows:

    a.  Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources and Associated Electric Power System Interfaces, IEEE Standard 1547, in effect April 6, 2018 as amended through March 9, 2020. For guidance in applying IEEE Standard 1547, the utility may refer to:

    (1) and (2) No change.

    ITEM 57.  Amend subrule 2506.23(10) as follows:

    2506.23(10) Record. The record of the case is maintained in the commission’s electronic filing system. Unless the record is held confidential pursuant to the “public information and inspection of records” rule in 199—Chapter 1 199—subrule 2505.5(4), parties and members of the public may examine the record and obtain copies of documents, including the transcript, when available.