DOCKET NO. UT-970766 PAGE 1
BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND )
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, ) DOCKET NO. UT-970766
   )
  Complainant, ) 
   ) COMPLAINT AND ORDER
 vs.  ) SUSPENDING TARIFF
   ) REVISIONS
U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC., ) 
   ) 
  Respondent. )
 )

  On August 29, 1997, U S WEST Communications, Inc. ("U S WEST") filed tariff 
revisions in Advise No. 2887T to provide for a general rate increase of $68.6 
million annually, of which $57 million would be implemented effective September 
29, 1997.

  The revenue increase requested by U S WEST is based upon the Commission's 
recent decision in Docket No. UT-951425, increasing certain depreciation 
expenses for the Company, and the results of a financial review of the 
Company's revenue and expenses initiated by Commission Staff in April 1997.

  It appearing that the filing herein would increase charges and rates for 
local exchange telephone service rendered by respondent and that the rights and 
interests of the public might be injuriously affected, 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 by the 
Commission.

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


O R D E R

  THE COMMISSION ORDERS:

  1. The operation of the above tariff revision, filed August 29, 1997, is 
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 by the Company in this matter during the period of their suspension, 
unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 10th day of September 1997.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



       ANNE LEVINSON, Chair



       RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner



       WILLIAM R. GILLIS, Commissioner