DOCKET NO. UT-970088 Page 1




BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND  )
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, )
      ) DOCKET NO. UT-970088
   Complainant, )
      )
  vs.    )
      ) COMPLAINT AND ORDER
WASHINGTON EXCHANGE CARRIER )  SUSPENDING TARIFF
ASSOCIATION, et al.,  )   REVISIONS
      )
   Respondent. )
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )


   On January 17, 1997, the Washington Exchange Carrier Association filed with 
the Commission revisions to its currently effective Tariff WN U-1 designated as 
Fourth Revision of Sheet
No. 1 and Ninth Revision of Sheet No. 9.  The stated effective date is April 1, 
1997.

  It appearing that the filing herein would increase charges and rates for 
Telecommunications service rendered by respondent and that the rights and 
interests of the public might be injuriously affected thereby, it is the 
decision of the Commission to enter upon public hearing or hearings concerning 
such changes and the reasonableness and justness thereof and to suspend the 
operation of the above tariff revision pending such hearing or hearings and 
decision thereon. 

  In accordance with RCW 80.04.130, the burden of proof to show that such 
increases are just and reasonable shall be upon the respondent.

  IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

  1. The operation of the above tariff revisions, filed herein January 17, 
1997, is hereby suspended.

  2. A hearing or hearings, on the Commission's own motion, shall be held at 
such times and places as may be required.

  3. No change or alteration shall be made in the tariff revisions filed 
herein, during the period of suspension, unless authorized by the Commission.



  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 26th day of March, 1997.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




      SHARON L. NELSON, Chairman




      RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner




      WILLIAM R. GILLIS, Commissioner