1. (1) All documents filed with the Commission shall be filed to the attention of the Commission Docket Manager via email to TPUC.DocketRoom@tn.gov or by mail. Four (4) paper copies of the filing shall be mailed to the Docket Manager, whether or not the filing is made by email or mail. Originals shall be retained in the Commission’s official file.
2. (2) All documents filed in a docketed proceeding shall contain a caption stating the style of the proceeding, the docket number, unless no docket number has been assigned at the time of filing, and title of the document being filed. All documents filed shall be signed by the party filing the same or by that party’s counsel. Where service is required, all documents filed shall contain a certificate, signed and dated by the person responsible for service, confirming that service has been made on the persons shown and how service was effectuated.
3. (3) Upon receipt of the filing by the Docket Manager, all documents shall be marked to show the date and time of filing. Documents filed via email shall be marked using the time of receipt. Persons submitting documents for filing may request that the Docket Manager acknowledge receipt of the filing via email.

4. (4) (a) All documents filed with the Docket Manager must be on 8 1/2” x 11” paper whenever possible. Other than those submitted on 8 1/2” x 11” paper, any physical exhibits must be accompanied by a copy or a description and explanation of the exhibit on 8 1/2” x 11” paper.

   1. (b) All electronic documents shall be formatted to be printed on 8 1/2” x 11” paper.
   2. (c) To the fullest extent possible, all spreadsheets or databases filed with the Commission shall have formulas visible and editable and include all dependencies to files provided to the Commission. Spreadsheets and databases do not need to be formatted to print on 8 1/2” x 11” paper.

5. (5) Parties in a contested case in which a protective order has been entered who seek to file documents or information that they assert are confidential, shall file with the Commission requisite copies of said documentation in a sealed envelope or by separate email marked “confidential information,” in accordance with the terms of the protective order, subject to the following:

   1. (a) For each document or part of a document asserted to be confidential or proprietary, a statement explaining with reasonable specificity the basis, including citation to the law or rule relied upon for designating the document, as entitled to protection from public disclosure.
   2. (b) Each page of any document designated as confidential or proprietary shall bear a mark indicating that it is filed as such.
   3. (c) The provisions of this rule shall not abridge the right of any party, or the Commission on its initiative, to contest the designation of such information. Upon such challenge, the designation of information as proprietary or confidential may, by agreement, be removed and made public, or if there is no agreement, then removal may be made as determined by the Commission or Hearing Officer.
6. (6) The Docket Manager may refuse to accept any document or filing that does not comply with these rules or for which the required fees or charges have not been tendered.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 65-1-104, 65-2-102, and 65-2-103. Administrative History: Original rule filed June 30, 2000; effective September 13, 2000. Editorial changes made by the Secretary of State pursuant to Public Chapter 826 of 2002 by replacing “Executive Secretary” with “Chair of the Authority”; effective March 28, 2003. Administrative changes made to this chapter on April 27, 2018 pursuant to Public Chapter 94 of 2017; “Tennessee Regulatory Authority” references were changed to “Tennessee Public Utility Commission,” “Authority” references were changed to “Commission,” “Authority Director” references were changed to “Commissioner,” and “Chief” references were changed to “Director.” Amendments filed August 11, 2025; effective November 9, 2025.