Section 20. Application requirements for certification

A. An original and 15 copies of an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity shall be filed with the Clerk of the Commission.

1. The applicant shall deliver a copy of the application to the Division of Communications at the same time it is filed with the Clerk of the Commission.

2. A copy of all confidential information filed under seal with the Clerk of the Commission in connection with the application shall be provided by the applicant, at the time of filing, to the Division of Communications and the Office of General Counsel pursuant to 5VAC5-20-170.

3. Any amendment or supplement to the application shall be filed in compliance with this section.

B. Notice of the application shall be given to all certificated local exchange carriers and other interested parties in Virginia in a form to be prescribed by the commission pursuant to an order.

C. The application shall identify the applicant including: (i) its name, address, telephone number, fax number, and website address, if any; (ii) the name, address, telephone number, fax number, type of entity (e.g., corporation, limited liability company), and website address of its parent or parents, if any; (iii) a list of its officers and directors or, if the applicant is not a corporation, a list of its principals or comparable officials; (iv) a toll-free telephone number for customer complaints and inquiries, if available; and (v) the name, address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the primary in-house regulatory contact.

D. An incorporated CLEC applicant shall demonstrate that it is organized under the laws of Virginia as a public service company by providing (i) a true and correct copy of its articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, and (ii) a copy of the certificate and order issued by the commission.

E. An unincorporated CLEC applicant shall demonstrate that it is authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia by providing the following:

1. In the case of an unincorporated entity formed under the laws of Virginia: (i) a true and correct copy of its articles of organization, certificate of limited partnership, or other organizational document or documents, and all amendments thereto; and (ii) a copy of the certificate and order issued by the commission.

2. In the case of an unincorporated entity formed under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Virginia: (i) a copy of the certificate or statement of registration to do business in Virginia issued to it by the commission, and (ii) a true and correct copy of its articles of organization, certificate of limited partnership, or other organizational document or documents, and all amendments thereto.

F. An MLEC applicant shall include a copy of its applicable city, town, or county charter.

G. An applicant shall be required to show its financial, managerial, and technical ability to render local exchange telecommunications services.

1. To demonstrate financial ability, each CLEC applicant shall, at a minimum, provide the following:

a. The per books balance sheet, income statement, and statement of changes in financial position of the applicant or the entity responsible for the financing of the applicant, for the two most recent annual periods. Audited financial statements shall be provided, if available, including notes to the financial statements and auditor's letter. Published financial information that includes Securities and Exchange Commission forms 10K and 10Q shall be provided, if available.

b. A continuous performance or surety bond in a minimum amount of $50,000, in a form to be prescribed by the commission staff. The bond shall be provided to the Division of Communications within 30 days of the issuance of the Order for Notice and Comment.

2. To demonstrate financial ability, each MLEC applicant shall, at a minimum, provide the following information:

a. The two most recent annual financial statements for the entity responsible for financing. Financial statements shall include a balance sheet, income statement, statement of changes in financial position, notes to the financial statements, and auditor's letter.

b. Proof of a minimum bond (or other senior debt) rating of "BB" or an equivalent rating by a major rating agency, or a guarantee by a guarantor possessing a credit rating of "BB" or higher from a major rating agency. In lieu of such minimum bond rating or guarantee, the applicant shall submit other evidence that will demonstrate financial responsibility. This evidence may include, but not necessarily be limited to, letters of credit, irrevocable lines of credit, and surety or performance bonds.

3. To demonstrate managerial and technical ability, each CLEC applicant shall, at a minimum, provide the following information:

a. A description of its or its parent's history and experience of providing telecommunications or other relevant services, if any; and

b. The managerial and technical experience of each principal officer or member and appropriate senior management and technical personnel.

4. To demonstrate managerial and technical ability, each MLEC applicant shall, at a minimum, provide the following information:

a. A description of the locality's history of providing electric distribution services and other utility services, if any;

b. A description of its experience in providing telecommunications or other relevant services, if any;

c. A list of the geographic areas in which it has provided and is currently providing utility, telecommunications, or other relevant services; and

d. The managerial and technical experience of senior management and technical personnel.

5. The applicant shall provide a list of the states where the applicant, parent, or any affiliate holds authority to provide local exchange telecommunications services and where service is actually being provided, including the date service was commenced for each.

6. The applicant shall also provide a list of any state where authorization was previously held or service was provided and subsequently discontinued and the applicable dates.

7. The applicant shall provide a list of the states where applicant, parent, or any affiliate has had certification or authorization denied, suspended, terminated, or revoked. The list shall include the reason for such denial, suspension, or revocation and copies of any orders issued by a state commission or regulatory authority addressing such action.

H. Each application shall include the applicant's proposed form of regulation for its services if such form of regulation differs from that set forth in 20VAC5-417-50.

I. A CLEC application shall be for statewide authority unless otherwise requested by the CLEC. If less than statewide authority is being requested, the CLEC shall identify the geographic area or areas for which the CLEC is requesting authority to provide service.

J. An MLEC application shall identify the geographic area or areas for which the MLEC is requesting authority to provide service. The applicant should consult § 15.2-2160 A of the Code of Virginia for determining the limits of its proposed service area.

K. The MLEC applicant shall provide a map of its electric distribution facilities in place as of March 1, 2002. The map should be in sufficient detail to identify the city, town, and county boundaries.

L. Upon request of the commission staff, an applicant shall provide such information with respect to any of its services or practices as may be relevant to the review of the application.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 17, eff. April 10, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 12, eff. February 1, 2012.

Statutory Authority

§ 12.1-13 of the Code of Virginia.