20041201Application.pdf

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Dean 1. Miller
McDEVITT & MILLER LLP
420 West Bannock Street
O. Box 2564-83701
Boise, ill 83702
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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Attorneys for Applicant
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
OF UNITED WATER IDAHO INC. FOR
AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ITS RATES
AND CHARGES FOR WATER SERVICE IN
THE STATE OF IDAHO
Case No. UWI-O4-
APPLICATION
COMES NOW United Water Idaho Inc.
, ("
United"
, "
Applicant") and hereby makes
application to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("Commission ) for an Order approving
revisions to Applicant's schedules of rates and charges for water service in the State of Idaho to
become effective with service provided on or after December 30 2004 and in support thereof
respectfully shows as follows:
Applicant is a public utility water corporation within the meaning of the Idaho Public
Utility Law, is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Idaho and is engaged in
conducting a general water business in and about Boise City, Ada County, Idaho, having its
principal office and place of business at 8248 West Victory Road, Boise, Idaho. A certified copy
of Applicant's Articles of Incorporation , together with all amendments to date, is on file with the
Commission. Applicant's current Certificate is Amended Certificate No. 143.
APPLICA TION-
II.
United has been providing water service to the public in Boise City and surrounding areas
for more than 100 years. Currently United provides service to approximately 75 400 customers
within Ada and Canyon Counties, Idaho.
III.
The operations of United have been reviewed in several rate proceedings before the
Commission, most recently in Case No. UWI-OO-
IV.
A copy of Applicant's present schedules of rates for water service is attached hereto as
Attachment A.
Attachment B, attached hereto, is a copy of Applicant's proposed new rates and charges
for the rendering of water service to Applicant's customers. Applicant requests an effective date
of December 30, 2004. Applicant alleges that the proposed changes in rates and charges set forth
on Attachment B are just and reasonable and that the rate of return expected to be provided to the
Applicant there under will be 8.93%, which is a fair rate ofretum on Applicant's investment in
property used and useful in rendering water service.
VI.
The revenue realized by Applicant under its presently authorized rates produces a rate of
return of 6.06%, based on a test year ending July 31 , 2004. Applicant seeks additional revenues
to recover increased operating expenses and costs associated with plant additions, and to produce
a fair rate of return, thereby enabling it to continue to provide adequate and reliable service to its
customers.
APPLICA TION-
VII.
Applicant is filing concurrently herewith direct testimony of Gregory P. Wyatt, Jeremiah
J. Healy, Scott Rhead, Frank Gradilone, Dr. Dennis Pesseau, Pauline Ahem and Dr. A.
Wallace and Exhibits 1 through 14 including financial statements, cost of capital and revenue
analysis, along with supporting workpapers, to justify and support the proposed increase.
VIII.
Notice to Applicant's customers is being accomplished by news media releases
simultaneously with the filing of this Application and by an individual notice mailed to each of
Applicant's customers. In addition, a copy of the Application and Applicant's present and
proposed rate schedules are available for public inspection at its office at 8248 West Victory
Road, Boise, Idaho at any time during office hours.
IX.
Applicant stands ready for an immediate hearing on this Application and requests that a
hearing be held as soon as possible.
Communications in reference to this Application should be addressed to:
Dean J. Miller
McDEVITI & MILLER LLP
420 West Bannock Street
O. Box 2564-83701
Boise, ill 83702
Fax: [phone]
and
Mark Gennari
UNITED WATER
200 Old Hook Road
Harrington Park, NJ 07640-1738
Fax: [phone]
APPLICA TION-
WHEREFORE, Applicant respectfully requests of the Commission:
That this Application be heard and acted upon at the earliest possible date;
That the Commission find that the Applicant's existing rates are unjust, unreasonable
and insufficient to provide Applicant with a fair rate of return and that the revised
rates and charges proposed in Attachment B of this Application are just and
reasonable and that Applicant be permitted to charge said rates to its customers
effective December 30, 2004.
That the Commission grant such other and further relief as the Commission may
determine proper in the circumstances.
DATED this 30 day of November, 2004.
UNirJ2(D WATER IDAHO INC.
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Dean J. iller
Attorney for Applicant
APPLICA TION-4
STATE OF IDAHO
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County of Ada
GREGORY P. WYATT, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is the Vice
President of United Water Idaho Inc., Applicant herein; that he has read the foregoing
Application and knows the contents thereof and that the same are true to the best of his
knowledge and belief.
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me th~4tay vt/'
~~
2004.
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APPLICA TION-
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
GENERAL METERED SERVICEAvailabili t
To all metered customers not served under a separate schedule.
Cus tomer Char
Meter Size
5/8"
3/4"
1 "
1 - 1/4" and 1- 1 / 2 "
2" or multiple meters
3" or multiple meters
4" or multiple meters
6" or mul tiple meters
8" or mul tiple meters
10" or multiple meters
of equivalent
of equivalent
of equivalent
of equivalent
of equivalent
of equivalent
capacity
capaci ty
capacity
capacity
capacity
capacity
Vol ume Char Winter
Rates
For all water used per 100 cubic
feet (CCF): $0.9825
For all water used per 1 000 gallons $1.3134
Bi-Monthly
Per Meter
Char
$14.
14 .
19.
31.
44.
82 .
131.
252 . 63
381.
532 . 85
Summer
Rates
$1.2281
$1.6418
Condi tions of Contract:
The customer shall pay the total of the customer charge plus
the volume charge. The volume charge is based on all metered
Water for the billing period. Consumption is expressed in 100
hundred cubic foot units or one thousand gallon units as
determined by the meter installed by the Company. The customer
charge will be prorated whenever the customer has not been a
customer for the entire billing period.
Summer Period:
The summer rate will apply to water consumed between May
September 30. Meter readings straddling these dates will
rated.
Issued: September 5, 2000 Effective:
2000
Under authority of I. P. U. C. Order No. 28505
Issued by:UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
By:
Benj amin Hepler, Vice President
1 and
be pro
September 5
Attachment A
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 1 of 6
Sheet No. 4D
Replacing All Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. lE
FLAT RATE SERVICE
Availabilit
To non-metered residential customers pursuant to Residential or
Multi-Family Housing Non-Contiguous Water Systems Agreement
Paragraph 11 (a) addressing flat rate systems.
Customer Char
Based on United Water Idaho residential consumption for the
year ending June 1998 of 208.75 ccf , the average residential
bill, assuming a ~" meter and 65%/35% summer/winter split, is
$325.74. Billed bi-monthly, equals $54.29.
Bi-monthl Char $54.
Condi tions of Contract:
The bi-monthly charge will be prorated whenever the customer
has not been a customer for the entire billing period. The
Company or the customer may convert to metered service pursuant
to Subparagraphs (b) or (c) of Paragraph 11 as follows:
(b)If Company should determine that a flat rate customer
using water in excess of the average residential customer,
the Company will provide a meter setting and meter.
Customer will then pay Company's metered tariff rates as
approved by the IPUC, which rates may be amended from time
to time.
(c)If a customer prefers to pay Company s approved metered
tariff rates, the customer shall pay the installation and
material costs associated with the installation of a metersetting.
Issued:September 5, 2000 Effective:September 5, 2000
Under Authority of I. P. U. C. Order No. 28505
Issued by:UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.Attachment A
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 2 of 6By:Benj amin Hepler , Vice President
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
PUBLIC HYDRANTS AND STREET SPRINKLING
Availabili t
To the City of Boise and Ada County Highway District.
Rates:
Street S rinklin Service
Flat Charge $179.23/Month
Miscellaneous:
Bills will be rendered monthly, bi -monthly, or at other
intervals upon mutual agreement of the Company and the
customer.
Hydrants and service pipes from the fitting on the Company main
to the hydrants are to be installed and maintained by and at
the expense of the City of Boise or Ada County HighwayDistrict.
Issued: September 5, 2000 Effective: September 5, 2000
Under Authority of I. P. U. C. Order No. 28505
Issued by:UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
By:
Benj amin Hepler , Vice President
Attachment A
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 3 of 6
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
PRIVATE FIRE SPRINKLER AND SERVICE
Availabili t
To all customers who have sprinkler systems and/or inside hoseconnections. for fire fighting purposes.
Rate:
For service through a separate line for fire fighting purposes.
For 3" service or smaller
For 4" service per month
For 6" service per monthFor 8" service per month
For 10" service per monthFor 12" service per month
per month $ 11.
1 7 . 93
44 . 53
73 .
114 .
170.
Miscellaneous:
Provided that if the installation of a private fire service shallrequire an extension of the existing mains of the company, the
cos t of such extens ion shall be borne by the customer.
All private fire services shall be
valves or thermal automatic openings.
equipped with sealed gate
Meters may be placed on fire services by the utility at any time;
however , metered rates will not apply unless improper use of
water is disclosed, and if such be the case, usage will be billed
to the consumer under Rate Schedule No.
Issued: September 5, 2000
2000
Effective:September 5,
Under Authority of I.C. Order No. 28505
Issued by:UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
By:
Benj amin Hepler, Vice President Attachment A
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 4 of 6
Sheet No.1 0
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE
Availabili t
To all customers having prlvate fire hydrant installations.
Rate:
For fire hydrants installed and malntained by the customer at
his expense:
Each fire hydrant, per month $7.
Miscellaneous:
Service pipe from the fitting on the company water main to the
fire hydrant is to be lnstalled and maintained by the customer.
Issued:September 5, 2000 Effective: September 5, 2000
Under Authority of I. P. U. C. Order No. 28505
Issued by:UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
By:
Benj amin Hepler, Vice President
Attachment
Case No. UWI-O4-0-4
United Watel
Page 5 of
Sheet No. lOA
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES
Return Check Char
lication:
This charge is applicable to all customers where the customer'
check or bank draft is returned by the Bank for insufficient
funds, closed account, or some other appropriate reason.
Rate:
Returned check charge
Each Occurrence
$15.
2 .Reconnection Char e for Non ent Terminations
App lication:
This charge is applicable to all customers where water has been
physically turned off for nonpayment of a delinquent bill.
Rates:
Each Occurrence
Reconnection Charge
(during normal business hours)
Reconnection Charge
(other than normal business hours)
$20.
$30.
3 .FIELD COLLECTION TRIP CHARGE:
APPLICATION:
This charge is applicable to all customers who pay outstanding
bills for service at the time that Company personnel arrive at
the customers' premises to terminate service.
Rates:
Field Collection Trip Charge
Each Occurrence
$15.
Issued:July 6, 1998 Effective:July 6, 1998
Under Authority of I.C. Order No. 27630
Issued by:UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.Attachment A
Case No. UWI-04-
United Water
Page 6 of 6
By:William C. Linam, Vice President
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
GENERAL METERED SERVICE
Availabilit,y
To all metered customers not served under a separate schedule.
Customer Charg~
Meter Size
5/8"
3/4"
1/4" and 1-1/2"
2" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
3" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
4" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
6" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
8" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
10" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
Bi-Monthly
Per Meter
Char~
$ 19.
19.
26.
42.
61.
112.
179.
344.
519.
726.
Volume Charg~Winter
Rates
Summer
Rates
For all water used per 100 cubic
feet (CCF)(1 CCF=748 gallons):
For all water used per 1 000 gallons
$1.1487
$1.5358
$1.4360
$1.9197
Cond itions of Contract:
The customer shall pay the total of the customer charge plus the volume charge.
The volume charge is based on all metered water for the billing period.
Consumption is expressed in hundred cubic foot units or thousand gallon units as
determined by the meter installed by the Company. The customer charge will be
prorated whenever the customer has not been a customer for the entire billing
period.
Summer Period
The summer rate will apply to water consumed between May 1 and September 30.
Meter readings straddling these dates will be prorated.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective -
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment 8
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 1 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.1 B
FLAT RATE SERVICE
Availabili~
To non-metered residential customers pursuant to Residential or Multi-Family
Housing Non-Contiguous Water Systems Agreement Paragraph 11 (a)
addressing flat rate systems.
Customer Char~
Based on United Water Idaho residential consumption for the year ending June
1998 of 208.75 ccf, the average residential bill , assuming a %" meter and
650/0/35010 summer/winter split, is $444.30. Billed bi-monthly, equals $74.05.
Bi-monthlv Char~$74.
Conditions of Contract:
The bi-monthly charge will be prorated whenever the customer has not been a
customer for the entire billing period. The Company or the customer may convert
to metered service pursuant to Subparagraphs (b) or (c) of Paragraph 11 as
follows:
(b)If Company should determine that a flat rate customer is using water in
excess of the average residential customer, the Company will provide a
meter setting and meter. Customer will then pay Company s metered tariff
rates as approved by the IPUC, which rates may be amended from time to
time.
(c)If a customer prefers to pay Company s approved metered tariff rates , the
customer shall pay the installation and material costs associated with the
installation of a meter setting.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 2 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
PUBLIC HYDRANTS AND STREET SPRINKLING
Availability
To the City of Boise and Ada County Highway District.
Rates:
Street Sprinkling Service
Flat Charge $244.39/Month
Miscellaneous:
Bills will be rendered monthly, bi-monthly, or at other intervals upon mutual
agreement of the Company and the customer.
Hydrants and service pipes from the fitting on the Company main to the hydrants
are to be installed and maintained by and at the expense of the City of Boise or
Ada County Highway District.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective -
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 3 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
PRIVATE FIRE SPRINKLER AND SERVICE
Availability
To all customers who have sprinkler systems and/or inside hose connections for
fire fighting purposes.
Rate:
For service through a separate line for fire fighting purposes.
For 3" service or smaller, per month
For 4" service per month
For 6" service per month
For 8" service per month
For 1 0" service per month
For 12" service per month
$ 14.
21.
54.
88.
138.
207.
Miscellaneous:
Provided that if the installation of a private fire service shall require an extension of
the existing mains of the company, the cost of such extension shall be borne by the
customer.
All private fire services shall be equipped with sealed gate valves or thermal
automatic openings.
Meters may be placed on fire services by the utility at any time; however, metered
rates will not apply unless improper use of water is disclosed , and if such be the
case , usage will be billed to the consumer under Rate Schedule No.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise , Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-Q4-
United Water
Page 4 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE
Availability:
To all customers having private fire hydrant installations.
Rate:
For fire hydrants installed and maintained by the customer at customer
expense:
Each fire hydrant, per month $8.
Miscellaneous:
Service pipe from the fitting on the company water main to the fire hydrant is to be
installed and maintained by the customer.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-Q4-
United Water
Page 5 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES
Return Check Charg~
8Qplication
This charge is applicable to all customers where the customer s check or bank
draft is returned by the bank for insufficient funds, closed account, or some other
appropriate reason.
Rate:
Returned check charge
Each Occurrence
$20.
Reconnection Charge for Nonpayment Terminations
8Qplication
This charge is applicable to all customers where water has been physically
turned off for nonpayment of a delinquent bill.
Rates:
Each Occurrence
Reconnection Charge
(during normal business hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Reconnection Charge
(other than normal business hours)
1: 4:31 PM to 8:00 PM
2: 8:01 PM to 7:59 AM
$22.
$40.
$80.
Field Collection Trip Char~
8Qplication
This charge is applicable to all customers who pay outstanding bills for service at
the time that Company personnel arrive at the customers' premises to terminate
service.
Rate:
Field Collection Trip Charge
Each Occurrence
$20.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 6 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES (cont:sn
Service Connection Charge for Other Than Normal Business Hours
8Qplication
This charge is applicable to all customers who request service after regular office
hours, weekends or holidays.
Rate:
Service Charge
Each Occurrence
$25.
Temporary Disconnection at Customer Request Charg~
8Qplication
This charge is applicable when the Company is requested by customer to shut
off the water at the meter for repairs to customer s plumbing.
Rates:
Water Disconnection at Customer Request
(during normal business hours)
Water Disconnection at Customer Request
(other than normal business hours)
Each Occurence
$15.
$25.
Meter Test at Customer Request Char~
8Qplication
This charge is applicable when the customer requests the Company to test the
accuracy of a meter in the case of a disputed bill.
Rate:
Error in registration of 1-1/20/0 or less
Each Occurrence
$10.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective -
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-O4-
United Water
Page 7 of 8
Sheet No.
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES (con(gl
Meter Rental Charge for Construction
wlication
This charge is applicable when contractors, builders, or others request temporary
service from a fire hydrant.
Rate:
Temporary Meter Charge
Each Occurrence
$20.
UNITED
Issued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective -
Issued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road , Boise, Idaho Attachment B
Case No. UWI-Q4-
United Water
Page 8 of 8
Dear United Water Customer:
This is to notify you that on November 30 , 2004 United Water Idaho filed an Application
with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) asking for authority to increase the
company s rates and charges for water service.
In the Application United Water is proposing a revenue increase of$6 767 867, which
represents an overall increase in rates of 21.46%. Under the proposed Application
residential customer rates would increase by 22.350/0, commercial by 19.56%, public
authority by 19.010/0, and private fire by 21.550/0. The requested increase would raise
rates for a typical residential customer by about $6 a month (20 cents a day), bringing the
average annual residential bill from $323 to $395.
The proposed increase is necessary for several reasons. It has been more than four years
since the last adjustment to the company s rates. During this period both the company
investments in water facilities and its operating costs necessary to provide safe and
reliable water service have increased. A major example of this is the investments required
for the new Columbia Water Treatment Plant, which is a key component of the
company s Renewable Resource Initiative. By carefully managing its costs, the company
has been able to defer the need for rate adjustment. Now, however, an increase in
revenue is necessary to support these investments and to maintain a sound financial
position.
To learn more about the company s Application and about its Renewable Resource
Initiative, please visit the company s web site at http://www.unitedwateridaho.com
The proposed increase in rates is subject to review and approval by the IPUC.
complete copy of the proposal is available at the company s office at 8248 W. Victory
Road, Boise ID and at the Commission s office at 472 W. Washington, Boise ID. It is
also available on-line at the IPUC website:
http:!/www.puc.state.id.us/FILEROOM/water/water.htm
You can also file a comment on the Application via the IPUC website at:
http://www.puc.state.id.us/scripts/polyfonn.dll/ipuc
Or mail comments to:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074.
United Water Idaho Inc.
O. Box 190420
Boise, ID 83719-0420
Sincerely,
United Water Idaho
NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NOVEMBER 30, 2004
For more information contact:
Michael Boss
Boss Communications, Inc.
[phone]
mboss~bosscom.com
Greg Wyatt
United Water Idaho
[phone]
greg. wyatt~unitedwater .com
UNITED WATER IDAHO REQUESTS RATE INCREASE
Increase to support infrastructure and technology enhancements
BOISE, ID, November 30, 2004 - United Water Idaho filed an application today with the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) requesting a 21.460/0 overall ($6.768 million)
rate increase. Under the proposed Application, residential customer rates would increase
by 22.35%, commercial by 19.560/0, public authority by 19.010/0, and private fire by
21.55%. The requested increase would raise rates for a typical residential customer by
about $6 a month (20 cents a day), bringing the average annual residential bill from $323
to $395. The IPUC will perfonn a complete investigation and analysis of the request
before authorizing any adjustment in current rates charged to customers. The review
process could take about seven months to complete.
An increase in rates is necessary in order to provide sufficient capital dollars to maintain
and improve quality service to customers, to provide adequate operating and maintenance
coverage, and to maintain a sound financial position. It is also necessary to improve
service by replacing aging water infrastructure as well as infrastructure that must be
replaced when in conflict with highway and street rebuilds and renewals. For these
reasons, United Water continues to make significant capital investments in utility plant. A
major example of this is the investments required for the new Columbia Water Treatment
Plant, which is a key component of the company s recently announced Renewable
Resource Initiative.
It has been more than four years since United Water s last rate adjustment, and during
this period both the company s investments in water facilities and its operating costs have
increased " stated Greg Wyatt, vice president of United Water Idaho. "By carefully
managing our costs, we have been able to defer the need for a rate adjustment. Now
however, Boise requires a new water treatment plant to meet its growing needs as well as
more stringent drinking water quality regulations.
According to Wyatt, since its last rate adjustment in September 2000, United Water has
invested more than $41 million in water supply, treatment, and storage and distribution
facilities in order to maintain and improve service to customers. These investments
include the construction of the Columbia Water Treatment Plant, which initially will
supply up to 6 million gallons a day of high quality water to customers beginning in
March 2005. "This new water supply and treatment facility uses state-of-the-art
membrane filtration technology and is critical to meet Boise s growing water needs.
Without the new treatment plant, Boise might be faced with water use restrictions " noted
Wyatt. Additional investments have been made in new water storage reservoirs that
provide stable pressure and improved fire protection within the system. United Water has
also invested in renewing the water system infrastructure by replacing over 16 miles of
water mains, almost 3 000 water services, and about 22 000 meters in the system. These
infrastructure replacements are critical to the long-term integrity of the water system and
to meet Boise s present and future water needs.
Our priority," stressed Wyatt
, "
is to continue to provide customers with the highest
quality water service at the lowest possible price. Improvements to source of supply,
water treatment and distribution network infrastructure are key to maintaining customer
satisfaction and quality service.
The requested increase would raise rates for a typical residential customer by about $6 a
month (20 cents a day), bringing the average annual bill from $323 to $395. Wyatt
stated
, "
We recognize this increase is significant. So to temper the effect on lower
income households, we have proposed that we, along with the IPUC Staff and other
interested parties, conduct workshops to collaboratively develop a 'low income
assistance program that effectively meets lower income customer s needs. If an
agreeable program can be developed, the company would seek implementation in
conjunction with any adjustment in rates ordered by the IPUC.
United Water Idaho provides water service to approximately 215 000 people in Boise and
surrounding areas.