U S West Nailed For $102 Million Refund

US West Communications must refund $102 million to customers for overcharging them on phone bills.

US West’s 1.2 million Oregon customers should see the refund in their phone bills sometime in the next two months, said PUC chairman Roger Hamilton.

Hamilton said the refund was the largest judgment the PUC ever has made against an Oregon phone company.

US West, criticized by state utility regulators and customers for service problems, earned $97 million more than it was allowed last year. The excess revenues will be returned to customers, along with $5 million in interest.

Hamilton said service complaints continue to be a concern.

Last year, US West asked the commission for permission to raise rates by $23 million, a request the commission denied.