Petition To Intervene

ELECTRONICALLY FILED ON MAY 12, 2006 STATE OF MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION __________________________________________ JAMES D COWIE, ET AL. ) ) RE: Request for Commission Investigation ) Into Whether Verizon is Cooperating in Maine ) With the National Security Agency’s ) Warrantless Domestic Wiretapping Program ) ) Docket No. 2006-274 )

PETITION TO INTERVENE NOTICE OF INTERVENTION

May 12, 2006

THIS IS A VIRTUAL DUPLICATE OF THE ORIGINAL HARDCOPY SUBMITTED TO THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS ELECTRONIC FILING INSTRUCTIONS The Public Advocate, pursuant to 35-A M.R.S.A. § 1702 and pursuant to § 721 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure (Chapter 110) of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, petitions to intervene as a party in the above-captioned proceeding and notifies the Commission of its intention to intervene. The grounds for this Petition are: 1. On May 8, 2006 the Public Utilities Commission commenced an investigation into whether Verizon is cooperating in Maine with the National Security Agency’s warrantless domestic wiretapping program. 2. Title 25 M.R.S.A. § 1702 gives the Public Advocate authority to intervene in such proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission when the Public Advocate deems that it is necessary. WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests this Commission to permit the Public Advocate to intervene in the above-captioned proceedings. Respectfully submitted, May 12, 2006 (Date) cc: Service List

William C. Black Deputy Public Advocate