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Dominion Asks FCC for 60 Extra Days To Answer Verizon Pole Rate Complaint

Dominion Virginia Power asked the FCC for more time to respond to Verizon's 700-page pole-attachment complaint filed Aug. 3. Saying parties have 30 days to respond to such complaints, Dominion (also known as Virginia Electric and Power Co.) asked for…

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a 60-day extension to Nov. 2. Dominion said the request was "reasonable in consideration of the enormous volume of materials to which Dominion must respond, and the substantial damages that Verizon claims it has suffered" under joint-use agreements of the power company's poles. The utility said Verizon wants to be refunded up to $16.8 million for pole attachments made since 2011. Verizon agreed to a 30-day extension, but Dominion said it needs more time prepare its response, particularly since under the rules it will be the company's "one chance to defend itself" against the claims. The telco asked the FCC to block Dominion efforts to collect "excessive and increasing" charges, ensure the telco pays the same rate as comparable providers under 2011 rules and refund the amounts it had overpaid (see 1508040029).