NY PSC OKs $2.7M Frontier Pact on Isaias Response

The New York Public Service Commission agreed 6-0 to a $2.7 million Frontier Communications settlement for the carrier’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias, at a Thursday meeting livestreamed from Albany. Members also unanimously cleared a $425 million investment by Searchlight Capital Partners in Consolidated Communications to enhance customer service. The Frontier settlement resolves a notice of apparent liability against the carrier for failing to keep a critical central office operating and not providing timely, accurate notices to the Department of Public Service (see 2102110066). The pact will increase redundancy and ensures continuous 911 service in future severe weather, said DPS Assistant Counsel Nicholas Forst. This includes reporting requirements and a Frontier promise not to pass costs to customers, the official said. PSC Chair John Howard asked if staff is “satisfied that Frontier’s 911 systems are fully operational” and can be relied upon by customers. “We are very confident,” replied Forst, saying redundancies from the pact will “not only provide Frontier benefit but also other 911 service providers.” Commissioners praised the speed of the one-year investigation into energy and communications providers. “Utilities need to know that poor performance will be met with swift and effective regulatory action,” said Howard. Rory Christian, one of three new commissioners at the meeting, applauded getting new infrastructure and resiliency investments amid “increasing severe storms and operating conditions.” The PSC earlier adopted a $72 million settlement with Altice for Isaias response failures (see 2103180022). Frontier didn't comment.