20061130notice_of_modified_procedure_order_no_30193.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
November 30, 2006
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF SPIRIT LAKE EAST WATER COMPANY
FOR AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ITS
RATES AND CHARGES FOR WATER
SERVICE IN THE STATE OF IDAHO
CASE NO. SPL-06-
NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30193
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on August 14, 2006, Spirit Lake East Water
Company filed an Application requesting authority to increase its rates and charges for water
service. The Company requested approval to increase its rates from $12 to $24 for the first 9 000
gallons of water usage, and from $.10 to $.20 for every 100 gallons of water used by a customer
over 9 000 gallons per month. In addition, the Company asked approval for an increase in the
connection fee for new service from $1 200 to $2 500. The Company proposed an effective date
of September 14, 2006 for the new rates.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that Spirit Lake has been providing water service
for nearly 23 years and currently provides service to 280 customers in Kootenai and Bonner
Counties, Idaho. The Application states that the Company s rates for consumption have not
changed since initially approved by the Commission in November 1983. In June 2004, the
Commission approved an increase in the Company s connection fee from $650 to $1 200. The
Company states that the $2 500 connection fee it now proposes is the actual cost it incurs in
connecting a new customer to the water system. The Company is requesting the new service
connection fee to cover the amount actually paid to outside contractors who perform the
connection work. The Company requested its Application be processed by Modified Procedure.
Staff completed its initial investigation of the Company s Application, and recommended the
Company s Application be processed by Modified Procedure as to the technical issues.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Company has filed certain exhibits and
workpapers. These documents are on file with the Commission Secretary at the Commission
office, 472 West Washington Street, Boise, Idaho, where they may be reviewed as a matter of
public record during regular business hours. Interested persons may also view Spirit Lake
Application at the Commission s website www.puc.idaho.gov under the "File Room" icon.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30193
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that it may
not be necessary to convene a formal technical hearing in this matter and will proceed under
Modified Procedure pursuant to Rules 201 through 204 of the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.201 through .204. The Commission also
notes that Modified Procedure and written comments have proven to be an effective means for
obtaining public input and participation, although the Commission has not yet determined
whether to convene a hearing to obtain testimony from the public.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission Staff will file its analysis of
the Application on or before January 27, 2007. The Company may file its reply comments on or
before February 9, 2007. Any person desiring to state a position on this Application may file a
written comment in support or opposition with the Commission on or before February 9, 2007.
The comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a
public hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments. Written comments
concerning this Application shall be mailed to the Commission and the Applicant at the
addresses reflected below:
Commission Secretary
. Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
John R. Hammond, Jr.
Batt & Fisher, LLP
101 S. Capitol Boulevard, Suite 500
PO Box 1308
Boise, Idaho 83701
E-mail: irh~battfisher.com
472 W. Washington Street
Boise, ID 83702-5983
Robert 1. Boyle
15807 E. Indiana Avenue
Spokane, Washington, 99216-1814
E-mail: admin(g)hansonind.com
These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first
page of this document. Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing
the Commission s home page located at www.puc.idaho.gov Click the "Comments and
Questions" icon, and complete the comment form, using the case number as it appears on the
front of this document. These comments must also be sent to the Applicant at the e-mail
addressees) listed above.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are
received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30193
enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit
set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal
hearing.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Application of Spirit Lake East Water Company
for authority to increase its rates and charges for water service be processed by Modified
Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.201-204. Persons interested in submitting written comments in this
matter must do so no later than February 9, 2007.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this :JO
day of November 2006.
, PRESIDENT
1J~ JJ &n~
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
D. Jewel
Commission Secretary
bls/O:SPL-06-01 ws2
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30193