Non-PUC Surcharges

Emergency Telephone Charges

Local 9-1-1 governing bodies establish Emergency Telephone Charge (ETC) rates independently, up to a threshold set annually by the Commission. ETC rates in excess of the threshold require approval from the Commission. ETCs collected by telecommunications service providers are remitted directly to the appropriate 9-1-1 governing body. For contact information for the 9-1-1 governing bodies, see the Basic Emergency Service Page or go directly to the list.

The threshold at which Commission approval is required is:

• Beginning January 1, 2024: $2.05 per phone line per month.

• Beginning January 1, 2025: $2.12 per phone line per month.

The current local ETC rates are listed to the right by 9-1-1 governing body. 

Applicability:

• Any communications service including but not limited to wireline, wireless cellular, interconnected voice-over-internet-protocol, or satellite in which connections are enabled, configured, or capable of making 9-1-1 calls.

• For multi-line telephone systems, the number of 9-1-1 access connections is determined by the configured capacity for simultaneous outbound calling. For example, if the system is configured to be capable of making a maximum of ten outbound calls simultaneously, then the customer should be assessed for ten emergency telephone charges.

• Prepaid wireless telecommunications service is exempt from the Emergency Telephone Charge. See the Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Charge below.

• State and local governmental entities are exempt.

• Lifeline customers are not exempt.

The map below can be used to identify which 9-1-1 governing body, and which ETC rate, is applicable to a particular address. This map is offered as a tool of convenience only. When in doubt, telecommunications service providers should contact the local 91-1 governing body to verify that they are remitting the correct rate to the right 9-1-1 governing body.