20050307Comment.pdf

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\1)March 04, 2005
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
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To Whom It Concerns:RE: United Water application for Rate Increase
I attempted to use the E-mail form of response using your web site, but after transmitting the E-mail
received a notice that the wrong form had been utilized. There was no other form available except
for the complaint form.
The Idaho Statesman indicated today was the last day to submit comments in writing. Having failed
the E-mail attempt, this letter serves that purpose. For the record, we believe in water conservation
and practice that belief in our consumption.
I received an undated form letter, presumably from United Water stating they had requested a
monthly rate increase of 22.35% for residential customers and estimated that would increase the
monthly water bill only about $6.00 per month, based on the typical residential user. I wish to
dispute that claim as it is far from accurate for the so called "non typical water" user, whoever that
group constitutes.
F or the many residential households served by United Water who do not have the advantage of
access to pressurized irrigation for summer uses, ie, lawn, tree, and shrubs, their water rates now can
exceed $200.00 per month even with sparing use of water. A 22% rate increase certainly translates
into more than six dollars per month for that period.
In addition, many, many households do not have any surplus in their monthly budgets to
accommodate another increase of the magnitude requested by United Water. As you know, cost of
living and salary increases are not keeping pace with other sources/pressures escalating the cost of
daily living. That impact is felt daily.
Households made up of retirees, those living on fixed incomes, lower income families, and others
living on the edge of financial insolvency will be hard pressed to accommodate the proposed 22%
rate increase. Where do they find the funds? What essentials do they give up?
United Water may be entitled to a moderate rate increase, but not one that wreaks havoc on the
budgets of households described above. Hopefully, the decision making process concerning this rate
increase will incorporate quality of life concepts as such will be impacted for many UW customers.
Sincerely,
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3892 S. Baja Way, Boise, Idaho 83709