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High Rate Assistance Credit Program
Pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 160.09, all local exchange service providers that are eligible telecommunications carriers shall provide high rate assistance credits to residential customers when the price of service exceeds specified thresholds.

Eligibility for these credits is determined by comparing a total rate to a percentage of median county household income. The total rate includes the local residential basic rate, the Federal subscriber line charge, and in certain areas, usage charges for extended community calling and intrastate toll. Carriers shall be reimbursed from the Universal Service Fund (USF) for eligible credits.

The Commission's Final Decision in docket 05-GF-104, mailed October 8, 2008, directs each local exchange company whose customers are eligible to receive such credits to file tariffs implementing revised high rate assistance credits pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 160.09 using revised county median household incomes (approved by the October 8, 2008 Final Decision). Each local exchange company shall also recalculate such credits each time basic local residential or other rates included in the credit calculation are changed.

To determine if customers are eligible for the high rate assistance credit, local exchange companies should take the following steps:

1. Download the Microsoft Excel file below. This spreadsheet should be used by all companies except AT&T Wisconsin, Verizon, CenturyTel of Central Wisconsin, and Telephone USA. These four companies can contact Christopher Larson at Christopher Larson to obtain a spreadsheet, if needed.
 
2. Enter information for your company on the spreadsheet, using instructions below.
 
3. If customers are eligible for high rate assistance credits (i.e. if any amount on row 45 of the "Calculations" sheet in the Excel file is more than 0), file a tariff to implement such monthly credits effective beginning not later than January 1, 2009. Once the tariff is filed, you will receive information on how to file for reimbursement from the USF.
 
4. Recalculate such credits each time basic local residential or other rates included in the credit calculation are changed.
Questions about this program should be directed to Christopher Larson at (608) 267-9508, (e-mail: Christopher Larson.

High Rate Assistance Credit Program Guidelines and Forms
  HRAC Calculation Excel File View/Download excel File (223kb)
  Instructions for Completing HRAC Calculation Excel File
  Commission's Final Decision mailed October9, 2007 pdf document  (20kb)
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