20060307Comments.pdf

Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Sunday, March 05 , 2006 12:21 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Sunday, March 05, 2006
12:21:14 PM
Case:
Name: Ann S. Barron
Street Address: 2631 N. Aster Ave
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: ann~warbarron. com
Company: United Watemailinglistyesno:
Comment description: I am again astounded by the audacity of this company in seeking yet
another rate increase. There is nothing in their financial reports, for this area anyway,to substantiate their claims. Like Vermont who asked for an increase in heating oil costs
because their customers had heeded their advice to conserve energy, and Connecticut who
asked that hybrid cars be taxed at a higher rate because they were using less gas and oil
than their regular counterparts, United Water (Idaho) has negligible reasons for seeking
their rate increase.
Please, deny them.Thank you, Ann Barron
Transaction 10: 351221.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dlll ipuc
User Address: 4.227.205.154
User Hostname: 4.227.205.154
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04 , 2006 5:54 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
5: 53: 58
Case:
Name: mike mikesell
Street Address: 2418 n. 20th
City: boise
State: idaho
ZIP: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: mike fred 815~hotmail. com
Company: united watermailinglistyesno:
Comment description: please consider using some real restraint in the case of this
company s request. Since boise water was purchased by the French, the water rates have
grown at a usurious rate, for no recognizable reason. I feel that the puc has not felt
brave enough to step on some of the utility requests and have used halfway compromises.
the continual erosion of the users bank is no way to stem these perpetual stops at thegravy train by the utili ties, u. s. and foreign.
Transaction 10: 341753.
Referred by: http: I Iwww.puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dll/ipuc
User Address: 65.102.75.222
User Hostname: 65.102.75.222
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04, 2006 3:35 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
3:35:06 PM
Case: UWI-W-06-
Name: Chester Call
Street Address: 3922 Mt View Or
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-MaIl: chetinpx~msn. com
Company: United Watermailinglistyesno:
Comment description: I have just become aware that United Water has requested a 17.
increase in their rates. I I ts hard for me to understand why rates should go up much
higher than inflation. As a retiree my fixed income only increases modestly each year
while my property tax and utility rates seem to increase dispreportionaly. I must rely on
government and its agencies to protect me from these large increases that keep lowering my
purchasing power each year. Please don I t allow this large of increase in one year to takeplace. I know increases are necessary and need to keep up with inflation but not all at
once.
Thank you for considering my concerns.Chet Call
Transaction 10: 341535.
Referred by: http: I Iwww puc. state. id. usl scripts/polyform. dll I ipucUser Address: 70.58.133.233
User Hostname: 70.58.133.233
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04 , 2006 3:08 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
3: 08: 14
Case:
Name: Robert H. Neugebauer
Street Address: 2189 N. Aronmink Way
Ci ty: Meridian
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83642
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: nugie~cableone. net
Company: United Water
Comment description: Oear Commissioners
Having been in senior management in the investment business for 40 years, it's difficult
to grasp why United Water is requesting a 17.91% increase in water rates after receiving
an 8% increase last year. That looks like a 25.91% increase over a 2 year period. Theyare asking for a 8.427% return on their investment instead of their (supposed) current
rate of 5.929%. I assure you that most senior citizens or working people with investments
are not receiving either of these yields on their current conservative investments, i. e.
U. S. treasury bonds or bank CO's. The largest areas of increased operating expenses atUni ted Water were the costs to fund the company s "pension plan" followed by risingdepreciation expenses. Why is the cost of funding the companies pension plan so high?
Could it be they under funded pensions in past years as many of our largest corporations
in this country have done? Could they have under-funded pensions in past years as many
corporations did to increase earnings, so their stock price would rise and their
executi ves could get bigger bounues and more stock options? Better yet, maybe they should
switch to a 401k plan to eleminate this problem in the future While you re at it, would
someone might take a closer look at their depreciation schedules. This is a watercompany, not an air line.
No one would deny our utility companies a reasonable increases but United Water is way out
of line requesting 17.91% after receiving an 8% rate increase last year. United Water hasbeen adding about 1,000 to 2,000 new customers to their base rate structure for the last 2
to 3 years. I always thought that if your customer base expands your income goes up but I
guess that only applies if your company has smart management and has allowed for the
expected expansion. It I s time to hire outside utility analysts who can be obj ecti ve and
give us guidance about future proposed rate increases. This rate increase should not be
approved until a lot more digging is done and United Water comes up with the proper
answers to their pension liabilities and depreciation schedules over the past few years as
increases are totally outrageous. Oon ' t let lobbyists taint your good judgment. Give them
a rate increase that makes sense. Oon ' t make the public pay for their mistakes. The public
always pays for the mistakes corporations make either in rate increases or higher taxes to
cover their blunders, like the savings and loan problem of the early 1990' s and the
pension bailouts now occurring. It's time to stand up for the people who pay your rather
substantial salaries, not to mention pension and health benefits. Spend more time with
your constituents and not the lobbyists and you will find there are many people who feeljust like I do. We need our public officials to fight for us not buckle under to pressure
from corporate sources or lobbyists. Can anyone tell me the last time a utility lowered
rates when there costs went down or electric/gas costs went down , and they passed them
along to their customers? Good Question? It's time to stop unreasonable utilityinflation. If you need a free lunch, why not come to my house and maybe playa round of
golf as we live on a golf course. I'm sure you would have a better time and a better
conversation than with the local lobbyists or corporate guru s and we wouldn t be looking
for anything in return.
Thanks for listening and please be prudent in your decision on this increase.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Neugebauer
Former Managing Oirector Tucker Anthony Sutro Inc.
Transaction 10: 341508.Referred by: http: / /www .puc. state. id. us/scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 72.24.230.
User Hostname: 72.24.230.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04, 2006 12:41 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
12:40:31 PM
Case: UWI-W-06-02
Name: Oavid W. Oster
Street Address: 1201 Harrison Boulevard
City: Boise
State: IO
ZIP: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: doster5126~aol.com
Company: United Wate
mailing list yes no: yes
Comment description: oppose the rate increase proposal from United Water. I own a
number of properties around the Treasure Valley and from direct experience I note that
United Water has the highest or nearly the higest rates in the Valley at this time. Their
charges are needlessly high already and they have a mysterious charge called a "customercharge" which is some kind of connection privilege charge that has no explanation. My
rates on my other properties are much lower than my United Water rates and this company
and its high charges represents a financial burden on me and my family. I suspect the
for profit" nature of United Water and its out of area ownership contribute to these high
rates and unreasonable charges. Compared to other areas of the valley where locally owned
cooperati ves control water service, United Water is charging an egregiously high fee
already and certainly should not be granted an increase in any way.
Oavid W. Oster
Transaction 10: 341240.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ ipuc
User Address: 207.200.116.
User Hostname: 207.200.116.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, March 06, 2006 6:04 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, March 06, 2006
6: 04: 29
Case: UWI-W-06-02
Name: Margaret Holaday
Street Address: 414 Bitteroot Orive
City: boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: holadaymom~msn. com
Company: United Wate
mailing list yes no:
Comment descriptIon: This is ridiculous! The last approved 8% hike equaled how many
dollars? Keep in mind, with the Boise area doubling in size ... that means United Water is
doubling their revenue. I've never heard so much whining in my life as what comes out of
United Water. There is a cost of doing business and improvements have been made. There is
also revenue that has paid for it. Quit trying to rape us.
Transaction 10: 361804.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ ipucUser Address: 71.209.140User Hostname: 71.209.140
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04, 2006 11:45 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
11:45:06 AM
Case: UWI-W-06-2
Name: Oonald Pribble
Street Address: 10163 Springdale Court
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]E-MaIl: donald.pribble~att. net
Company: United Water - Idahomailinglistyesno:
Comment description: I have a retirement income that increases based on a Cost of Living
Index, usually tagged at about two percentage points per year. Over the past few years my
property taxes, gas and electricity rates have increased well over 800% more than my
income increases. My health insurance premiums may increase 300% this year and of course
gasoline prices are expected to steadily rise. I understand the need to increase rates but
large increases at one time is extremely damaging to retirees and the general population.
Request the Commission consider spreading-out increases at smaller amounts and reject the17.9% increase in a single year.
Transaction 10: 341145.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 67.72.98.
User Hostname: 67.72.98.
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Jean Jewell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04 , 2006 10: 1 0 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04 , 2006
10:09:50 AM
Case: water rate hike of 17.
Name: Billie Hawley
Street Address: 1915 N 16 St.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: bnbhawley~yahoo. com
Company:
mailing list yes no: noComment=descriptIon: ~he big rate increase is unjustified at this time. PUC should use aplan of
user pays . The uncontrolled suburban sprawl of home on 1/2 acre plus land
is not condusive to the High Plains Oesert we live on.
It is time for the lushous green lawn people to pay more than their share for
water down the drain.
Transaction IO: 341009.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id.us/scripts/polyform.dll/ipucUser Address: 67.42.75.
User Hostname: 67.42.75.
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04, 2006 7:07 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
7:06:36 AM
Case: Unied Water 18% rate hike
Name: Kevin L. Saxton
Street Address: 11192 Powderhorn
Ci ty: Boise
State: Idaho
ZIP: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-MaIl: ksaxone~cableone. net
Company: United Water
mailing list yes no:
Comment=descriptIon: My main complaint is to the PUC, I still want to know why we have a
PUC
in the first place?? If any of these utilities want a pay hike, rate incr. whatever! You
people just GIVE it to them anyway! I say there is
NO regulation there whatsoever. Is it not a waste of taxpayer dollars to
have a PUC?? No matter who wants a rate hike, you people give it to them.
Transaction 10: 34706.Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ipuc
User Address: 24.119.22.171
User Hostname: 24.119.22.171
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Saturday, March 04, 2006 6:40 AM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
6:40:01 AM
Case: UWI-W-06-02
Name: LMLechner
Street Address: 3516 Barberry Orive
Ci ty: Boise
State: 10
ZIP: 83703-4110
Home Telephone:
E-Mail: lechbrin~Mindspring. com
Company: United Wate
mailing list yes no:
Comment=descriptIon: Idaho needs to buy back its ownership in its fresh water. Why should
we pay for shareholders profit with a needed necessity such as our fresh water. The amount
we are paying share holders would cover the upkeep of our city, states own water utility
company. We also should not have to pay for the construction of new water to new
structures this is the resposibil ty of the developers we have already payed for our lines
and only should pay for repair and upkeep of the original infrastructure.
Buy back our water now!
! ! ! ! ! ! !
It is very scarey to think another country having control of over 1/3 of all the United
States fresh water. What are we thinking.
Transaction 10: 34640.Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/scripts/polyform. dll/ipucUser Address: 4.227.157.User Hostname: 4.227.157.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ed Howell
Monday, March 06, 2006 3:51 PM
Jean Jewell; Ed Howell; Gene Fadness; Tonya Clark
Comment acknowledgement
WWW Form Submission:
Monday, March 06, 2006
3: 50: 53
Case:
Name: rex knapton
Street Address: 325 howe st.
City: boiseState: id.
ZIP: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail:
Company: united water
mailing list yes no: no
Comment descriptIon: ~ving received a 7.68 rate increase in the late summer of 05, I would
hardly think U. water would qualify for an additional increase less than six months later.
The fact seems to be forgotten that the water
supplied originated in the groung or the river, not manufactured bywater,and belonged to the people in the first place. yup. I know, they deliver it, and
pretty well too, but most of us are unable to pass along cost increases, and in the
process, come up short. Thanks
for the chance to suggest not granting the increase. R. Knapton
Transaction 10: 361550.
Referred by: http: / /www.puc. state. id. us/ scripts/polyform. dll/ ipuc
User Address: 67.130
User Hostname: 67.130