Local residents will have a chance to share thoughts on changes to the 315 area code at a public hearing tonight, May 12, in Auburn.

The state Public Service Commission is holding hearings throughout the region on options for area code relief in the 315 area code region.

Because all possible phone numbers within the 315 area are expected to be exhausted by 2010, a new area code needs to be introduced to ensure that consumers throughout central and northern New York are able to get telecommunications services of their choice.

The commission is considering options for geographic splits to divide the 315 area code as well as an overlay plan option that assigns a new area code to the same geographic area currently served by 315.

The local meeting will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, May 12, at the Cayuga County Office Building, sixth floor Legislature chambers, 160 Genesee St.