20060831press release.htm

./083106_SpiritLakewater_files/filelist.xml IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
9.35 pt 2 IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Case No. SPL-W-06-01, Order No. 30119 August 31, 2006 Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]

Website:
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov

Spirit Lake Water East seeks rate increases

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has suspended for six months an application by Spirit Lake East Water Company to double its rates and charges for water service.

The company serves about 280 households in two subdivisions east of Spirit Lake. The six-month extension will allow commission staff enough time to conduct an audit of the company’s application, work papers and documents. After reviewing the staff’s audit and recommendations, the commission will issue an order regarding future comment periods and workshops or hearings.

Spirit Lake East wants to increase its monthly rate from $12 to $24 for the first 9,000 gallons of water use. The company proposes a rate of 20 cents for every 100 gallons of use more than 9,000 gallons. The current rate for use of more than 9,000 gallons is 10 cents per 100 gallons. Spirit Lake East is also requesting to increase its connection fee for new service from $1,200 to $2,500.

The company’s rates for consumption have not changed since initially approved by the commission in 1983. Since then costs have increased and many improvements have been made to the system, the company claims. While consumption rates have not changed, the company’s connection fee was increased from $650 to $1,200 in June 2004. The company states the proposed connection fee of $2,500 is the actual cost it incurs to connect a new customer to the water system.

The company’s application and other documents related to the case can be accessed on the commission’s Web site at
http://www.puc.idaho.gov/www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room,” then on “Water Cases,” and scroll down to Case No. SPL-W-06-01.