July 4, 2003 – Innovative Telephone rate payers will get their "day in court" this coming week on all three islands as the Public Services Commission holds public meetings to receive comments and complaints from consumers on the public utility's practices, customer service and performance.
The meetings will offer consumers the opportunity to be heard in a public setting, in front of representatives of the utility company and the PSC – at a time convenient to the consumer. The three meetings are all set for 5:30 p.m. Those with complaints or comments who may not be able to attend the meetings are encouraged to put grievances in writing and either fax or mail them to the PSC, according to a release from the PSC.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said that unless consumers put their complaints into writing, with dates, names and specific incidents, it is impossible to track and solve their problems.
He said the public hearings, where company representatives, PSC members and the public will be face to face, should offer some insights on both sides.
The meetings will be held as follows:
St. Thomas
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
PSC Conference Room
Barbel Plaza
St. John
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Legislature Conference Room
Cruz Bay
St. Croix
5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Legislature Conference Room
Frederiksted
The hearings come two months after Innovative requested rate increases from the PSC. Action on the request was suspended. The PSC has eight months to consider and either approve or reject the request.
However, Joseph said the public hearings are not directly related to the request for a rate hike. "We just want to hear what the public has to say" about the service they are receiving from the public utility, he said.
Testimony can be mailed or faxed to:
Public Services Commission
PO Box 40
St. Thomas VI 00804
Fax 774-4971 / Attn: Hearing examiners
Public Services Commission
PO Box 7360 Sunny Isle
St. Croix VI 00823
Fax 778-0302 / Attn: Hearing examiners
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