20040213Press Release.pdf

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
For Immediate Release
Case No. UWI-04-
February 10, 2004
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone]
Website: www.Puc.state.id.
United Water applies for budget-billing program
Boise - United Water, which has about 74 000 customers in the Boise metropolitan area, is
seeking approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to implement a budget billing
program for residential customers who want to make a levelized monthly payment.
United Water customers currently receive six bi-monthly bills, including two summer bills that
are based on a rate 25 percent higher than the company s winter rate. The summer bills can
create a financial hardship because, for some customers, they total more than 60 percent of the
total annual bill.
Customers who enroll in the proposed budget-billing plan would receive monthly bills instead of
bi-monthly statements, although meters would continue to be read bi-monthly. An average would
be calculated based on consumption at the residence for the previous 12 months. An annual
reconciliation would be performed with negative or positive balances rolled forward into the next
budget bill. If extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances like a major leak
cause a significant change in consumption the company would be allowed to make mid-term
adjustments. Customers who do not want to participate would continue to be billed as they are
now.
In its application to the commission, United Water claims there is significant customer demand
for the program. The company estimates it will cost $72 000 to implement the program and is
asking the commission to defer that amount for recovery from customers when United Water
files its next general rate case.
The commission has determined that public interest in the matter may not require a hearing, but
can be processed by written comments instead. Customers may comment through March 3.
Persons wishing to submit comments can do so via e-mail by accessing the commission
homepage at www.puc.state.id.and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case
number (UWI-04-1) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box
83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to [phone].
END