Section 200.70   Submission of Paper Documents

a)         Unless filed through the e-Docket system pursuant to Subpart F, all formal written communications and documents to be filed with or submitted to the Commission shall be addressed to:  The Chief Clerk, Illinois Commerce Commission, 527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62701.  Petitions, complaints and other filings that initiate a proceeding or petitions for interlocutory review shall be deemed to be officially filed or submitted only when received at the principal office of the Commission. The Chief Clerk is the official custodian of all Commission records.  Unless the Public Utilities Act or other applicable statute specifically provides otherwise, or the Hearing Examiner specifically provides otherwise in the interest of a fair hearing, all other formal written communications and documents shall be deemed officially filed or submitted either when received at the principal office of the Commission or:

1)         if transmitted through the United States mail, shall be deemed filed with or received by the Commission on the date shown by the post office cancellation mark stamped upon the envelope or other wrapper containing it.  If transmitted by a private express courier service, shall be deemed filed with or received by the Commission upon delivery to the courier service;

2)         if mailed or deposited with a private express courier service but not received by the Commission or if received but without a cancellation mark or with the cancellation mark illegible or erroneous, shall be deemed filed with or received by the Commission on the date it was sent or deposited, provided a Proof of Filing by certificate of attorney, acknowledgment of receipt, or affidavit is provided to the Commission showing that the writing was deposited, properly addressed, in the United States mail or with a private express courier service on or before the date on which it was required or authorized to be filed.  In cases in which the writing was mailed or deposited with a private express courier service but not received, the sender must also file with the Commission a duplicate writing, within 10 days after notification is given to the person claiming to have sent the writing, of nonreceipt of the writing;

3)         if a writing is sent by United States registered mail, certified mail or certificate of mailing, a record authenticated by the United States Postal Service of such registration, certification or certificate shall be considered competent evidence that the writing was mailed.  The date of registration, certification or certificate shall be deemed the postmarked date.

b)         In an emergency, upon affidavit specifying the emergency and affirming that no person will be prejudiced, the Chief Clerk or his/her designated representative shall authorize filing in the Chicago office of the Commission.

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 16019, effective October 15, 2000)