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Completing the Form

This guide walks you through all the fields and options when completing a public comment form.


Select Comment Category

  • Please select a comment category*
    Options include:
    • Docket
    • Company
    • Miscellaneous

Depending on the selected category, the form dynamically displays relevant fields.

Select comment category options


If Docket or Company Is Selected

When you select Docket or Company as the category, the following fields appear:

  • Related Docket* – Search-enabled dropdown to select the docket number.
  • Commenter Type* – Dropdown to specify type of commenter (Ratepayer, Utility, or Other Stakeholder).

Docket or Company category fields


If Miscellaneous Is Selected

When you select Miscellaneous as the category:

  • Commenter Type* – Dropdown to specify commenter classification.

Miscellaneous comment type selection


Contact Information

Provide the required contact details:

  • First Name* – Comment submitter's first name
  • Last Name* – Comment submitter's last name
  • Email* – Primary email address for communication

Contact information section


Comment Section

Enter the following:

  • Comment Subject* – Brief summary or title for the comment.
  • Comment* – Full text of the comment.

Comment subject and details fields


Certification and Privacy Options

  • Certify that you understand and agree to the guidelines and limitations* – Required before submission.
  • Keep my submission anonymous – Optional checkbox for anonymous posting.

Certification and anonymity options


Form Validation Requirements

Before submitting, ensure all fields meet these requirements:

Required Fields (marked with *)

  • Comment Category - Must select Docket, Company, or Miscellaneous
  • Related Docket - Required if Docket or Company category selected
  • Commenter Type - Must select from dropdown
  • Contact Information - First Name, Last Name, Email (all required)
  • Comment Subject - Brief title for your comment
  • Comment Text - Full text of your comment
  • Certification - Must check the certification checkbox

Field Format Requirements

FieldRequirements
EmailValid email format (name@example.com)
Comment SubjectBrief, descriptive title (typically 50-100 characters)
Comment TextDetailed comment explaining your position or concerns
Related DocketMust select valid docket from dropdown (if applicable)

Comment Best Practices

Good Comment:

  • Clear, specific subject line
  • Well-organized text with paragraphs
  • References specific docket numbers or issues
  • Provides supporting reasoning or data
  • Professional and respectful tone

Poor Comment:

  • Vague subject like "Comment" or "My opinion"
  • Single paragraph with no structure
  • Emotional language without substance
  • No reference to specific docket or issue
  • Inappropriate or offensive language
Writing an Effective Comment
  • Be specific: Reference the docket number, proposal, or specific issue
  • Be clear: Organize your thoughts into paragraphs
  • Be constructive: Explain your position and reasoning
  • Be respectful: Maintain professional tone even if you disagree
  • Be concise: Focus on key points rather than lengthy narratives

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These Common Errors

Wrong Docket Selection

  • Don't select a docket without verifying it's the correct one
  • Don't submit comments to the wrong docket number
  • Don't select "Miscellaneous" if your comment relates to a specific docket

Vague or Unclear Comments

  • Don't write "I don't like this" - explain why
  • Don't omit your reasoning or supporting information
  • Don't write comments that are too short to be meaningful

Missing Required Information

  • Don't leave comment subject blank
  • Don't forget to select commenter type
  • Don't skip the certification checkbox

Incorrect Contact Information

  • Don't use an email you don't check
  • Don't provide fake or incorrect contact information
  • Don't forget that anonymous comments still require contact info (it's just not displayed publicly)

Not Selecting Correct Category

  • Don't select "Miscellaneous" if your comment relates to a specific docket
  • Don't select "Company" if your comment is about a docket
  • Don't forget to select the related docket if choosing Docket category

Inappropriate Content

  • Don't use offensive or inappropriate language
  • Don't include personal attacks
  • Don't submit comments that don't relate to the regulatory matter

Next Steps

After completing the form: