St. Paul, Minnesota — At its December 23rd agenda meeting, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a six-month review of the Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) fund, including additional financial support for low-income telephone subscribers. TAP is a state program administered by the PUC, that gives financial support to low-income land-line telephone subscribers through discounts or bill credits. TAP is funded through a monthly surcharge collected by local service providers on a per access line basis from their customers.

To mitigate the financial challenges related to COVID-19, the approval of the fund review included an increase of the monthly TAP credit from $7.00 to $10.00. The decision also included the approval of a reduction of the TAP monthly surcharge from $.10 to $.07.

Commissioner Tuma said “protecting older Minnesotans residing in rural areas who rely on TAP and ensuring they don’t get lost in the mix is critical, particularly as the pandemic continues to create economic hardship.” Commissioner Tuma also called for “a more holistic approach to engaging low-income community members who might qualify for the TAP.”

Currently, 13,067 low income residents are subscribed to TAP, a decrease from 14,970 for the period of January-June 2020. Considering the enormous economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, the PUC required the reconvening of the TAP Advisory Group with an expanded mission and broader membership. The Commission requested the TAP Advisory Group to ensure they monitor broadband programming changes, as well as to coordinate community outreach efforts with community organizations and other state agencies.

About

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc

Please contact Will Seuffert, 651-201-2217 or will.seuffert@state.mn.us if you have any questions.

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