20030617Press Release.pdf

Commissioner Hansen:Page 1 of 2
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Case No. SWS-03-, Order No. 29254
For Immediate Release / June 10 2003
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Water utility merger proposed near Blanchard
BOISE - Staff from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission will conduct a public workshop June 23 in
Blanchard regarding an application by CDS Stoneridge Utilities to acquire the service territory of the approximate
123 households belonging to the Happy Valley Ranchos water system.
Residents of Happy Valley Ranchos, located west of the Stoneridge subdivision, voted to be
interconnected with the Stoneridge system. According to Stoneridge s application, cost of the approximate
$200 000 interconnection will be borne by Happy Valley customers who would have a $12.04 surcharge added to
their monthly bill. If approved, that surcharge would increase Happy Valley Ranchos rates between 25 and 52
percent depending on the amount of gallons used. Happy Valley customers now pay $21 a month for up to 20 000
gallons and an additional amount for use beyond that. The $12.04 surcharge would expire in about 20 years, after
low-cost debt financing through the state Department of Environmental Quality to pay for the interconnection is
paid off.
The Happy Valley water system has been experiencing significant water quality problems due to
extremely high iron levels in the water from its wells. This has caused an accumulation of iron deposits in the
pipes of the system and made it necessary for Happy Valley to install filters that are costly to maintain.
Stoneridge contends the interconnection will have minimal effect on its existing customers and is not
seeking a change in rates for Stoneridge customers.
If the commission approves the application, Stoneridge s service territory of about 34 households would
be expanded and Happy Valley customers would become customers of Stoneridge.
The workshop, which will allow citizens to receive information and ask questions of commission staff
begins at 7 p.m. on June 23 at the Stoneridge Events Center, 104 Chatwold in Blanchard.
The commission has also opened a comment period through June 30 for those who want to submit written
comments.
http://www.puc.state.id.us/intemet/press/061003- StneRidg Wtr.htm 6/1712003
Commissioner Hansen:Page 2 of 2
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission s homepage at
www.puc.state.id.and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (SWS-03-1) and enter
your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-
3762.
Copies of this order as well as the company s application can be accessed on the commission s Web site.
Click on "File Room " and then on "Water Cases " and scroll down to the appropriate case number.
END
http://www.puc.state.id.us/intemetipress/061 003 - StneRidg Wtr .htm 6/17/2003