Free Access to ACC Case Files Debuts Today

Web-Based System Ushers In New Era of Public Records Access

PHOENIX – Today the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) ushered in a new era of public access to documents and case files by anyone with internet access.  The Commissioners unveiled e-Docket, a new public records access system that manages public information pertaining to ACC cases, rule-making proceedings and decisions.  Power plant and transmission line cases will also be accessible through e-Docket.

“In our continuing effort to provide prompt public access to documents, our Docket Control and Information Technology staffs have designed this new system to allow free, unrestricted access to Commission records and cases,” Chairman Jeff Hatch-Miller announced.

The e-Docket system offers several benefits:

• 24-hour access to docketed information via the internet.
• Access, search, view and download docketed information from any remote terminal.
• Perform narrowly defined searches of dockets and documents.
• View and print the electronic images of documents filed in the docket.
• Simultaneous access to docket information and document images by parties, ACC Staff and the public.
• Secure storage and easy retrieval of scanned documents.
• Reduction in costs of copying, transportation and storage.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Bisbee, Boston, New York or downtown Phoenix.  If you have internet access, you can search through rate case filings or look for other case information that is of interest to you,” Commissioner Marc Spitzer said.

“Before this system debuted, you had to come to Phoenix or Tucson or work out payment arrangements with our Docket Control center to get documents mailed to you,” Commissioner Bill Mundell explained.  “With e-Docket it doesn’t matter where you are – or where I am – we have access to the same information from anywhere there is an internet connection.”

“This system is another step we are taking to ensure that the public can study the cases, background and information filed at the Commission the same way we do before we make a decision,” Commissioner Mike Gleason said.

The Commissioners and staff have been testing the system over the last several weeks. 

“Overall, I found that e-Docket is fairly intuitive.  It works well, is easy to use and should be a real lifesaver for reporters, attorneys, utility representatives and members of the general public,” Commissioner Kris Mayes said.

Open House and Training Sessions

Commission staff members have collaborated to create an online reference guide to answer the most common questions, however, demonstrations are available.  The Commission will hold an Open House with demonstrations on Friday, September 16.  The first session will start at 10:00 am and an afternoon session will begin at 1:00 pm.  The demonstrations will be in the Commission’s main hearing room at 1200 West Washington in Phoenix. 

Anyone who needs access to Commission case files is welcome to attend – reporters, attorneys, legal assistants, utility representatives or members of the public.  Live streaming audio will also be available through the ACC website at www.azcc.gov.

How can I take a “test drive” of e-Docket?

Simply click on the e-Docket link on the Commission’s main webpage, www.azcc.gov or go directly to the URL by entering http://edocket.azcc.gov in your web browser.  Click and print the E-Docket Reference Guide – it’s a very helpful resource with hints and tips for the various searches you might need to perform.

What is available through e-Docket?

Generally speaking, any documents filed with the Commission after March 10, 2004 are available on e-Docket.  Commission decisions from 2002 forward are also available and previous decisions will be added to the database.

How soon are new filings available in e-Docket?

The Commission still requires that all filings are submitted in paper form, per the current filing criteria.  Incoming documents are stamped, distributed to the Commissioners and relevant parties, scanned, checked for quality control and then posted in the e-Docket system.  New filings are generally available within 24 hours of the time the document is filed.

What hardware or software do I need to make the most of e-Docket?

You will need a computer with an Internet connection and a browser such as Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.  The e-Docket interface is optimized to work with Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 7 and later.  A downloadable link to a free version of the Acrobat 7 reader is included on the main interface page.

What kinds of searches can I do?

There are several ways to search for information in e-Docket.  These searches include:

• Company Name.  Locate dockets and documents for a particular company.
• Docket Number.  Enter a docket number and view the Docket Details report for that docket with links to 5 other reports specific to that docket – Documents, Decisions, Case Schedule, Staff Assigned, Service List and Linked Dockets.
• Documents.  View a list of the filings docketed in a case and view the electronic images of any documents filed after March 10, 2004.
• Docket Detail.  Search using a combination of basic information pertaining to a docket to include company name (or DBA), docket type, current status and/or specified date range.
• Full Text Search.  Construct queries using specific key words or phrases and retrieve documents that contain those words or phrases. 
• Decisions.  Locate information and images for Decisions issued by the ACC.
• Events.  Find the date, time and location of various events associated with a docket such as a hearing, pre-hearing conference, procedural conference, telephonic procedural conference, open meeting, public comment sessions and special open meetings.

Reminder:  Demonstrations will be available on Friday, September 16 at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.