PrintProposing rulemaking related to claims for indigent defense services and providing an opportunity for public comment
The State Public Defender hereby proposes to amend Chapter 12, “Claims for Indigent Defense Services,” Iowa Administrative Code.Legal Authority for Rulemaking This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 13B.4(8).State or Federal Law Implemented This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 815.7(6), 815.7(7) and 815.7(7A) as amended by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 562, and section 815.7A as enacted by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 562.Purpose and Summary The purpose of the proposed rulemaking is to remove portions of the current administrative rules that became obsolete, outdated, inconsistent, and incompatible with the new statutory enactments in 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 562. The legislation increases the hourly rate for payment of claims from the Indigent Defense Fund for attorney and guardian ad litem fees and allows payment for associated travel time in situations where payment had not been allowed prior to the legislative change. Fiscal Impact The estimated annual cost of the increase in the hourly rate of the fees for attorneys and guardians ad litem will be approximately $2,600,000. The estimated annual cost of the increase in travel time allowed will be approximately $1,500,000. Jobs Impact After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.Waivers Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the State Public Defender for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 493—Chapter 6. Public Comment Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking. Written comments in response to this rulemaking must be received by the State Public Defender no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 19, 2023. Comments should be directed to: Kurt Swaim Office of State Public Defender Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing 6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100 Des Moines, Iowa 50321 Phone: 515.218.2445 Email: kswaim@spd.state.ia.us Public Hearing No public hearing is scheduled at this time. As provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b,” an oral presentation regarding this rulemaking may be demanded by 25 interested persons, a governmental subdivision, the Administrative Rules Review Committee, an agency, or an association having 25 or more members. Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6). The following rulemaking action is proposed:
ITEM 1. Rescind subrule 12.4(1) and adopt the following new subrule in lieu thereof: 12.4(1) Unless the attorney has a contract that provides for a different manner or rate of payment, reasonable compensation for the payment of all claims for cases in which the attorney has been appointed shall be calculated on the basis of the hourly rate specified in Iowa Code section 815.7 applicable to the type of case and for the fiscal year during which the appointment was made for attorney or guardian ad litem time, and on the basis of the hourly rate of $25 per hour for paralegal time to the extent paralegal time is payable under these rules. ITEM 2. Amend subrule 12.5(4) as follows: 12.5(4) Travel time. Time spent by an attorney or guardian ad litem traveling is only payableat the full hourly rate provided in subrule 12.4(1) when the travel is reasonable and necessary to represent the indigent client and the attorney or guardian ad litem is traveling: a. To and from the scene of a crime in a criminal case or juvenile delinquency proceeding; b. To and from the location of a pretrial hearing, trial, or posttrial hearing in a criminal case if the venue has been changed from the county in which the crime occurred or if the location of the court hearing has been changed, without changing venue, to a different county for the convenience of the court; c. To and from the place of incarceration of a client in a postconviction relief case, criminal appeal, or postconviction relief appeal; d. To and from the place of detention of a client in a juvenile delinquency or criminal case if the place of detention is located outside the county in which the action is pending; e. To and from the location of the placement of a child in a juvenile case if the guardian ad litem is required by statute to visit the placement and the placement is located in Iowa, but outside the county in which the case is pending; f. To and from the location of the placement of a child in a juvenile case if the guardian ad litem is required by statute and court order to visit the placement and the placement is outside the state of Iowa; g. To and from the location of a family team meeting, if the place of the meeting is located outside the county in which the action is pending and the court approves that the location of the meeting is appropriate; h. To and from a court of appeals or supreme court argument; i. To and from the location where the deposition of an expert witness is being taken; or j. To other locations for which travel authorization is obtained from the state public defender.Otherwise, travel time for an attorney or guardian ad litem is only payable at the rate and in the manner provided in Iowa Code section 815.7A as enacted by 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 562. For all uncontested hearings, the attorney or guardian ad litem must file an application for a remote hearing to be entitled to travel time. If the court denies the application, the attorney or guardian ad litem must submit a copy of the application and the denial order with the claim for payment of travel time. If the client wishes to have an uncontested hearing in person, and the attorney or guardian ad litem has no other reason to request an in-person hearing other than to be paid for travel time to attend the hearing in person in view of the client’s request, the request for hearing shall be sent to the state public defender at claims@spd.state.ia.us. No application is required to be filed for contested hearings, but the travel time must be clearly identified as being for a contested hearing in the description of the travel on the claim. Travel time payable at any hourly rate counts toward the maximum daily hours allowed pursuant to subrule 12.5(1). No amount is payable for travel time at any hourly rate if the time is otherwise being paid at the full hourly rate provided in subrule 12.4(1).ARC 7125CUtilities Division[199]Notice of Intended ActionProposing rulemaking related to procedure for determining the competitiveness of a communications service or facility and providing an opportunity for public comment
The Utilities Board hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 5, “Procedure for Determining the Competitiveness of a Communications Service or Facility,” Iowa Administrative Code.Legal Authority for Rulemaking This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 476.State or Federal Law Implemented This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 476.1D.Purpose and Summary Chapter 5 currently contains the Board’s procedure for determining the competitiveness of a communications service or facility. This chapter is proposed to be rescinded and reserved because the existing Chapter 5 merely restates and references existing statutes. The Board issued an order on November 3, 2023, commencing this rulemaking. The order is available on the Board’s electronic filing system, efs.iowa.gov, under RMU-2023-0005.Fiscal Impact This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa. Jobs Impact After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.Waivers No waiver provision is included in the proposed amendment because the Board has a general waiver provision in rule 199—1.3(17A,474,476) that provides procedures for requesting a waiver of the Board’s rules.Public Comment Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking. Written comments in response to this rulemaking must be received by the Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 21, 2023. Comments should be directed to: IT Support Iowa Utilities Board Phone: 515.725.7300 Email: ITSupport@iub.iowa.gov Public Hearing Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows: December 19, 2023 9 to 10 a.m. Board Hearing Room 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, Iowa December 20, 2023 9 to 10 a.m. Board Hearing Room 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking. Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Board and advise of specific needs. Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6). The following rulemaking action is proposed:
ITEM 1. Rescind and reserve 199—Chapter 5.ARC 7124CUtilities Division[199]Notice of Intended ActionProposing rulemaking related to complaint procedures and providing an opportunity for public comment
The Utilities Board hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 6, “Complaint Procedures,” Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt a new chapter with the same title.Legal Authority for Rulemaking This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 476.State or Federal Law Implemented This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 476.83.Purpose and Summary Chapter 6 is intended to describe the process under Iowa Code sections 476.3 and 476.83 for a person to file a complaint with the Board against a utility. The Board is proposing to rescind and repromulgate Chapter 6 because it contains unnecessary and restrictive language the Board has proposed to reduce. The Board issued an order on November 2, 2023, commencing this rulemaking. The order is available on the Board’s electronic filing system, efs.iowa.gov, under RMU-2023-0006. Fiscal Impact This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa. Jobs Impact After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.Waivers No waiver provision is included in the proposed amendments because the Board has a general waiver provision in rule 199—1.3(17A,474,476) that provides procedures for requesting a waiver of the rules in Chapter 6. Public Comment Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking. Written comments in response to this rulemaking must be received by the Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 8, 2024. Comments should be directed to: IT Support Iowa Utilities Board Phone: 515.725.7300 Email: ITSupport@iub.iowa.gov Public Hearing Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows: December 19, 2023 9 to 10 a.m. Board Hearing Room 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, Iowa January 8, 2024 1 to 2 p.m. Board Hearing Room 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking. Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Board and advise of specific needs. Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6). The following rulemaking action is proposed:
ITEM 1. Rescind 199—Chapter 6 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof: CHAPTER 6COMPLAINT PROCEDURES[Previously ch 1, renumbered 10/20/75 Supp.][Prior to 10/8/86, Commerce Commission[250]]199—6.1(476) General inquiries. Any person may seek assistance from the Iowa utilities board by appearing in person at the board’s office at 1375 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0069; by mailing an inquiry to the board’s office; by placing a telephone call to the board’s customer service bureau at 515.725.7300 or toll-free 877.565.4450; by sending an inquiry by email to customer@iub.iowa.gov; or by contacting the agency through any other means. If the inquiry is not resolved after board staff has obtained additional information, the person making the inquiry may escalate the inquiry to a written complaint by requesting an informal investigation pursuant to rule 199—6.2(476) and Iowa Code section 476.3.199—6.2(476) Informal complaint procedures. Any person may submit a written complaint to the board requesting a determination of the reasonableness of rates, charges, schedules, service, regulations, or anything done or not done by a public utility for those services or rates subject to regulation by the board. “Person” as used in this chapter shall have the same definition as defined in Iowa Code section 4.1(20). 6.2(1) Information to be filed. The written complaint should include the following information: a. The name of the utility involved, any utility personnel known or believed to be familiar with the facts stated in the complaint, and the location of the office of the utility where the complaint was originally made and processed. b. The name of the complainant. If the complaint is being made on behalf of a person other than the complainant, an affidavit from the person upon whose behalf the complaint is being made, attesting to the accuracy of the complaint, should be included. A complaint filed by an organization on behalf of its members shall include an affidavit signed by an attorney for, or an officer of, the organization. c. The address, or addresses, of the premises where the service, billing problems, or other actions occurred. If the complainant resides at a different address, the complaint shall also state where a response to the complaint is to be mailed. The complainant shall provide a telephone number and, if available, an email address where the complainant can be reached. d. The nature of the complaint, and efforts made to resolve the matter. Bills, correspondence, or other relevant documents should be included if the documents will aid the board’s understanding of the utility’s action or practice about which the complaint is made. If known, references to statutes or rules believed to govern the outcome of the complaint should be included. Also, a description of the efforts made by the complainant to resolve the complaint with the utility should be included. The complainant should contact the utility to attempt to resolve the complaint prior to submitting a complaint to the board. e. A proposal for resolving the complaint. The proposal should refer to any known statutes, board orders, or rules that support the resolution proposed by the complainant. 6.2(2) Request for additional information. If board staff determines that additional information is needed prior to forwarding the complaint to the utility, the complainant will be notified that specified additional information is needed. If the requested additional information is not provided within ten days, the complaint may be dismissed. Dismissal of the complaint on this basis does not prevent the complainant from filing in the future a complaint that includes the requested information.199—6.3(476) Processing the informal complaint. When the board receives a written complaint that includes the necessary information outlined in rule 199—6.2(476), board staff shall initiate the informal complaint process by opening an investigation into the complaint and assigning the informal complaint a file number. 6.3(1) Within ten days after receipt of the written complaint, or of any additional information requested, board staff shall forward to the public utility and the consumer advocate the complaint and any additional information provided by the complainant. 6.3(2) The utility shall respond to the complaint within 20 days of receipt and send a copy of its response to the complainant and the consumer advocate. Prior to the date the response is due, the utility may request an extension of time to respond to the complaint. Within five days, board staff shall notify the utility, the complainant, and the consumer advocate whether the request for an extension is granted and of the length of the extension. 6.3(3) The utility shall specifically address each allegation made by the complainant and provide any supporting facts, statutes, rules, board orders, or tariff provisions supporting its response. The utility shall include copies of all related letters, records, or other documents not supplied by the complainant, and all records concerning the complainant that are not confidential or privileged. In cases involving confidential or privileged records, the response shall advise of the records’ existence.199—6.4(476) Proposed resolution of an informal complaint. 6.4(1) After the utility’s response is received, board staff may request additional information deemed necessary to complete the investigation and resolve the complaint. When all necessary information has been received and the investigation is complete, board staff shall, within 30 days, send a letter with a proposed resolution of the complaint to the complainant, the utility, and the consumer advocate. Staff shall notify the complainant, the utility, and consumer advocate when the investigation is complete and the 30-day time period to issue a proposed resolution commences. 6.4(2) In the proposed resolution, board staff shall inform the parties of their right to request formal proceedings. The complainant, utility, and consumer advocate have 14 days after the date the proposed resolution is issued to file a request for a formal proceeding. If no party files a request for formal proceeding within 14 days pursuant to subrule 6.5(1), the proposed resolution is binding. 6.4(3) After the proposed resolution is issued, the complainant, utility, or consumer advocate may request in writing within 14 days that board staff reopen the investigation regarding the complaint to consider additional information, changed circumstances, or other relevant information not provided in the initial investigation. Within five days of receiving the request, board staff shall send a response to the request to reopen the investigation, either advising the parties that the investigation will be reopened and a second proposed resolution will be issued or denying the request. If the request to reopen the investigation is denied, the complainant, utility, or consumer advocate has 14 days from the issuance of the denial to request that the board open a formal complaint proceeding pursuant to subrule 6.5(1).199—6.5(476) Initiating formal complaint proceedings. 6.5(1) Request for formal proceeding based upon a proposed resolution. If the consumer advocate, complainant, or public utility does not agree with the proposed resolution, a request for a formal complaint proceeding may be made in writing within 14 days of the issuance of the proposed resolution. The request for a formal proceeding shall be considered as filed on the date of the United States Postal Service postmark, the date of email, the date of filing in the board’s electronic filing system, or the date of in-person delivery to the board’s customer service bureau. The request shall include the file number of the informal complaint and explain why the proposed resolution should be modified or rejected. The request shall explain why the proposed resolution should be modified or rejected and shall propose an alternate resolution. All parties to the informal complaint shall be provided copies of the request for a formal proceeding. Any other party to the informal complaint investigation may submit a response to the request for a formal proceeding within ten days of the date the request was submitted to the board. 6.5(2) Request for formal complaint proceeding. Upon receipt of a request for a formal complaint proceeding, the board shall issue an order either granting or denying the request.199—6.6(476) Applicable procedures. When the complaint is docketed as a formal proceeding, the procedures set forth in 199—Chapter 7 will apply.199—6.7(476) Record. The written complaint and all information obtained during the informal investigation shall be uploaded into the electronic filing system formal complaint docket and be made part of the record in the formal complaint proceeding. The information from the informal complaint investigation shall be redacted pursuant to requirements in 199—Chapter 7.199—6.8(476) Special procedures for complaints alleging unauthorized changes in telecommunications services. Notwithstanding the deregulation of a communications service or facility pursuant to Iowa Code section 476.1D, complaints alleging an unauthorized change in telecommunications service (more information is contained in rule 199—22.9(476)) will be processed pursuant to 199—Chapter 22, unauthorized changes in telecommunications service, with the following additional or substituted procedures: 6.8(1) Upon receipt of the complaint and with the customer’s acknowledgment, a copy of the complaint or a notification of receipt of a telephone or other oral complaint will be forwarded to the executing service provider and the preferred service provider as a request for a change in the customer’s service to the customer’s preferred service provider, unless the service has already been changed to the preferred service provider. 6.8(2) The complaint or notification of receipt of a telephone or other oral complaint will also be forwarded to the alleged unauthorized service provider. That entity shall file a response to the complaint within 20 days of the date the complaint or notification of receipt of a telephone or other oral complaint was forwarded. The response must include proof of verification of the customer’s authorization for a change in service or a statement that the unauthorized service provider does not have such proof of verification. 6.8(3) If the alleged unauthorized service provider includes with its response alleged proof of verification of the customer’s authorization for a change in service, the response will be forwarded to the customer. The customer will have ten days to challenge the verification or otherwise reply to the service provider’s response. 6.8(4) As a part of the informal complaint proceedings, board staff may issue a proposed resolution to determine the potential liability, including assessment of damages, for unauthorized changes in service among the customer, the previous service provider, the executing service provider, and the submitting service provider, and any other interested person. In all cases, the proposed resolution shall allocate responsibility among the interested persons on the basis of their relative responsibility for the events that are the subject matter of the complaint. For purposes of this rule and in the absence of unusual circumstances, the term “damages” means charges directly relating to the telecommunications services provided to the customer that have appeared or may appear on the customer’s bill. The term “damages” does not include incidental, consequential, or punitive damages. 6.8(5) If the complainant, the service provider, consumer advocate, or any other interested person directly affected by the proposed decision is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution, a request for formal complaint proceedings may be filed. A request for formal complaint proceedings will be processed by the board pursuant to rule 199—6.5(476) et seq.If no request for formal complaint proceedings is received by the board within 14 days after issuance of the proposed resolution, the proposed resolution will be deemed binding upon all persons notified of the informal proceedings and affected by the proposed resolution. Notwithstanding the binding nature of any proposed resolution as to the affected persons, the board may at any time and on its own motion initiate formal proceedings that may alter the allocation of liability. 6.8(6) No entity may commence any actions to rebill, directly bill, or otherwise collect any disputed charges for a change in service until after board action on the complaint is final. If final board action finds that the change in service was unauthorized and determines the customer should pay some amount less than the billed amount, the service provider is prohibited from rebilling or taking any other steps whatsoever to collect the difference between the allowed charges and the original charges. These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 476.2, 476.3, 476.103 and 546.7.ARC 7123CUtilities Division[199]Notice of Intended ActionProposing rulemaking related to utility records and providing an opportunity for public comment
The Utilities Board hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 18, “Utility Records,” Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt a new chapter with the same title.Legal Authority for Rulemaking This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 476.State or Federal Law Implemented This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 476.31 and 546.7.Purpose and Summary Chapter 18 is intended to ensure the Board has a methodology to review any necessary records that may pertain to the rules or policies of rate-regulated public utilities and the rates or charges for utility services. The Board issued an order on November 2, 2023, commencing this rulemaking. The order is available on the Board’s electronic filing system, efs.iowa.gov, under RMU-2023-0018.Fiscal Impact This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa. Jobs Impact After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.Waivers No waiver provision is included in the proposed amendments because the Board has a general waiver provision in rule 199—1.3(17A,474,476) that provides procedures for requesting a waiver of the rules in Chapter 18.Public Comment Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking. Written comments in response to this rulemaking must be received by the Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 3, 2024. Comments should be directed to: IT Support Iowa Utilities Board Phone: 515.725.7300 Email: ITSupport@iub.iowa.gov Public Hearing Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows: December 19, 2023 2 to 3 p.m. Board Hearing Room 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, Iowa January 3, 2024 9 to 10 a.m. Board Hearing Room 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking. Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Board and advise of specific needs. Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6). The following rulemaking action is proposed:
ITEM 1. Rescind 199—Chapter 18 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof: CHAPTER 18UTILITY RECORDS199—18.1(476) Definitions. The following terms, when used in this chapter, have the meanings shown below: "FCC rules" means the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission under the Communications Act of 1934 as published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). "FERC rules" means the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Federal Power Act and Natural Gas Act as published in the CFR. "NARUC guidelines" means the guidelines published by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. "RUS rules" means the rules and regulations of the Rural Utilities Service, 7 CFR Part 1767, of the United States Department of Agriculture applicable to electric and telephone borrowers of the RUS under the terms of their mortgages to the RUS.199—18.2(476) Location of records. All records kept pursuant to any rules of the board, or necessary for the administration thereof, shall be kept or made accessible within this state unless otherwise authorized by the board, including: 18.2(1) The utility’s tariffs. 18.2(2) A record of the telephone number and business location of the utility’s administrative, technical, and operating personnel within the state. 18.2(3) The most recent inspection report. 18.2(4) The most recent rate case filing. 18.2(5) Annual reports for the past five years. 18.2(6) Shareholder’s reports for the past five years. 18.2(7) Form IG-1 (gas utilities). 18.2(8) Form IE-1 (electric utilities). 18.2(9) Information regarding the location of other books, records, and accounts to be maintained or made accessible pursuant to statute or rule.199—18.3(476) Availability of records. All records kept pursuant to any rules of the board, which are of a general corporate nature or otherwise pertain to the utility’s operations as a whole, shall be made available for examination by the board during normal business hours, unless otherwise authorized by the board. Upon receipt by a utility of a formal request in writing from the board for records or information pertaining to records required by any board rule, the utility shall provide the requested information to the board within 15 days of receiving the written request from the board unless the utility files an objection to the request or a request for an extension of time within seven days of the utility’s receipt of the information request. The objection or request for extension of time is to be filed in writing and state the concise grounds for relief. If the board finds that the objection or request for extension of time does not have merit, the information originally requested shall be provided immediately upon receiving notice of the board’s decision. 199—18.4(476) Electric utilities other than rural electric cooperatives. 18.4(1) Units of property. Electric utilities subject to rate regulation shall maintain an accounting system for Units of Property in Accounting for Additions and Retirements of Electric Plant in accordance with 199—Chapter 16, uniform systems of accounts—electric rules. 18.4(2) Preservation of records. All electric utilities subject to regulation by the board shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of Part 125 of the FERC rules, 18 CFR Part 125, Preservation of Records of Public Utilities and Licensees, as issued on August 15, 2000. Rate-regulated companies further ensure the preservation of records of associated companies, whether or not the associated companies are themselves utilities, as necessary to support the cost of services rendered to the utility by the associated companies. 199—18.5(476) Rural electric cooperatives. 18.5(1) Units of property. Rural electric cooperatives (RECs) subject to rate regulation by the board shall adopt the RUS rules contained in RUS 7 CFR Part 1767 published May 27, 2008. The REC shall maintain sufficient records to support additions to plant, retirement units, and replacements of electric plant, in accordance with 7 CFR Part 1767.10, Definitions; 7 CFR Part 1767.15, General Instructions; 7 CFR Part 1767.16, Electric Plant Instructions; and 7 CFR Part 1767.20, Plant Accounts. 18.5(2) Preservation of records. RECs shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of the RUS rules contained in RUS Bulletin 180-2, Record Retention Recommendations for RUS Electric Borrowers, issued June 26, 2003. 199—18.6(476) Gas utilities. 18.6(1) Units of property. Gas utilities subject to rate regulation shall maintain an accounting system for Units of Property in Accounting for Additions and Retirements of Gas Plant in accordance with 199—Chapter 16, uniform systems of accounts—gas rules. 18.6(2) Preservation of records. All gas utilities subject to regulation by the board shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of FERC rules, 18 CFR Part 225, Preservation of Records of Natural Gas Companies, as issued August 15, 2000. Rate-regulated companies further ensure the preservation of records of associated companies, whether or not the associated companies are themselves utilities, as necessary to support the cost of services rendered to the utility by the associated companies.199—18.7(476) Water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities. 18.7(1) Units of property. Water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities subject to rate regulation shall maintain an accounting system for Units of Property in Accounting for Additions and Retirements of Water Plant in accordance with 199—Chapter 16, uniform systems of accounts—water rules. 18.7(2) Preservation of records. All water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities subject to regulation by the board shall preserve the records of their operations in accordance with the provisions of the NARUC guidelines: Regulations to Govern the Preservation of Records of Electric, Gas and Water Utilities, revised October 2007 edition. Regulated water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage utilities shall further ensure the preservation of records of associated companies, whether or not the associated companies are themselves utilities, as necessary to support the cost of services rendered to the utility by the associated companies. These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 476.31 and 546.7.