20071030Comments.pdf

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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
kwst8farm~yahoo,com
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 7:00 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Kathleen Wraspir follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Kathleen Wraspir
Address: 11441 W. Puritan Drive
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: kwst8farm0yahoo. com
Name of Utili ty Compa~~ni ted WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I would like to dispute the contention of United Water that it is a benefit to have abilling every month. It looks like a ne~ twist to raise the rates $25+ per year. Havinga bill every month would not change our usage of water. We already conserve in as manyways as we can (short of removing our lawn). I am happy with the way the bills are donenow. Thank you.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.htmlIP address is 205.242.229.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
duanemhamilton~gmail.com
Monday, October 29, 2007 8:24 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from DUANE M. HAMILTON follows:
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Case Number: uwi-w-07-04
Name: DUANE M. HAMILTON
Address: 11631 W. ONEIDA DR.
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: duanemhamilton0gmail. com
Name of Utility compa : united water
Add to Mailing List:
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Please describe your question or comment briefly:
WHY SHOULD WE THE CUSTOMER PAY TO BILL WEEKLY WHEN WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE WAY
IT'S BEING IT SEEMS TO ME THE WATER COMPANY CHOSES WAYS TO INCREASE THEIR BOTTOM
LINE ANY WAY THEY WANT BEFORE THEY TOOK OVER THE WATER FOR THIS AREA WE
BELONGED TO SOUTH COUNTY WATER AND THE CHARGES WERE MUCH LESS AND THE WATER
WAS MUCH BETTER TASTING, IT NOW TASTES TERABLE. THE WATER IS WAY TO EXPENSIVE BUT
WE HAVE NO CHOICE OF WHERE TO BUY.
DUANE M. HAMILTON
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 206.207.104.223
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
frthornton ~netscape. net
Monday, October 29, 2007 7:3:3 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Alfred R Thornton follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Alfred R ThorntonAddress: 2020 Longmont Ave
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: frthornton10netscape. net
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to 'Mai~ing List: no
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
United Water wants to make things easier for ,me by charging me $1.15 more per month.
:;;.)
NO THANKS!!!!!!!C ,
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.60.197.239
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
la rry~ h enderso n corporation. com
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 4:41 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Larry follows:
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Case Number:
Name: LarryAddress: 1400 Sunrise Rim
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83705
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: larry0hendersoncorporation. com
Name of Utl' 1 . Uni ted Water
Add to Mailing List: yes,"uu, - -
" . " --
Please describe your question or comment.briefly:
Uni ted Water says that it is easier to pay a monthly bill.They didn t ask me what is easier? It is no~ pnly easier to
cost savings to me. Actually it is more expensive for their
cost of checks, stamps and now the additional monies to pay
monthly?
pay bi-monthly but there is a
customers to pay monthly! The
for them to read meeters
United Water says there will be enhanched water conservation with monthly bills. Customers
in their market know they are going to pay a lot for water in the summer months, but they
still have grass to water and gardens to grow.
United Water uses the word conservation then increases fuel consumption to read meters
monthly and pass the cost on to people that have no choice for this necessity!
It has all to do with United Water benefiting with wanting to change to monthly billing
from bi-monthly at the expense of their customers.
How can their customers benefit with a higher cost?
United Water came across as spineless! Shame On Them and You All if Allowed!
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 70.103.24.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
madallen~cableone.net
Monday, October 29, 2007 12:55 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from MICHAEL ALLEN follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: MICHAEL ALLEN
Address: 3385 S HOLDEN AVE
City: BOISE
State: IDAHO
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: madallen0cableone. netName of Utility Comp~UNITED WATER
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I AM AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL. IT'S A PLOY TO HAVE CONSUMERS PAY FOR THE SET UP TO HIGHER
PRICES. THE BIMONTLY BILLS ARE BECOMING SO HIGH THAT UW WANTS TO GO TO A MONTHLY BILLING
TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE THE WATER BILLS ARE NOT TOO HIGH, AND PAVING THE WAY FOR MORE
INCREASES. IF THE 3 BENEFITS THAT UW PROMOTES IN ITS' CUSTOMER RELEASE ARE TRUE, WHY DON'
WE GO TO A WEEKLY BILLING? ACTUALLY, UW PROBABLY HAS THAT ON ITS' FUTURE AGENDA, WHEN THE
MONTHLY BILLS BECOME STAGGERING.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.116.142.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Inlwalker25~msn.com
Monday, October 29,20072:13 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Leo Walker follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Leo WalkerAddress: 3419 S. North Church Ave.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: lnlwalker250msn. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Why in the world would anyone want to pay an additional $1.
every month just to write 6 more checks a year. Dumb idea.
Please turn down thie~request. Thank you
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.36.23.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
paulstephensom 1949~yahoo,com
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 3:41 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Paul Stephenson follows:
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Case Number: uwi-w-07-04
Name: Paul StephensonAddress: 6365 so. Lodgepole PL.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: paulstephensom194 90yahoo. com
Name of Utility Compa United WatterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment bri~fly:
Evertbody that has United Water would have' to be stupid to let the IPUC raise our water
rates $1,125,905 so they can spend more of our money to hire more people. No one I have
talked to has complained about getting a water bill every two months and no one I have
talked to wants to pay more for utilities that are outrageously high right now. Please
listen to the people and deny this case. Thank you, Paul Stephenson
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.37.167.114
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
m raym u rdock(Qtcableone. net
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 3:57 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Ray Murdock follows:
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Case Number: UWI=W=07-
Name: Ray MurdockAddress: 6449 S. Honeylocustci ty: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: mraymurdock~cableone. net
Name of Utility compa United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We are against this rate increase as it is only meant for United Water to increase the
scope of its administative service without any benefit to consumers. It will increase
postage costs for all concerned and contribute to the waste of paper resources and
additional mail handling. The only advantage is an improved revenue stream for OW! Pi ease
do not approve this unjustified rate increase.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.116.32.173
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
pchardingcpa~earthlink. net
Monday, October 29, 2007 -4:53 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment ,from Perry Harding follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Perry HardingAddress: 2068 Crystal Way
City: Boise
State: Id
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: pchardingcpa0earthlink. net
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I ,would like registe~l my~oppisition to tbe ~rQPosed increase in the residential water
bills. The basis for my opposition j,s "a13 j~:9;!.1 o!J\3;,
1. The supposed ease in paying and budgeting a monthly vs a bi- monthly bill is not worth
the extra costs. While a few people may find this to be a benefit it is my opinion that
the vast majority are used to the current system from an ease/benefit standpoint including
many individuals on a fixed income.
2. While there may be some additional conservation benefit from knowing on a monthly basis
what your water consumption is again
the benefit received would only be applicable to the high use (June-September months) and
again I believe the increase in the rates would not justify the few users who would use
the monthly information
for conservation. There must be better ways to cut use overall such as education on
differences in landscaping, increase in rates during the summer, ect.
3. I for one do not want United Water personnel coming to my house every month.
plus years I have lived in Boise not once
have I obtained, nor do I know of anyone who has, any benefit from
the meter readers observing any problems as far as leaks or meter malfunction.
In the 35
In summary in this age of improved efficiency 1 believe it is inefficient to have anincrease in basic rates to pay the costs of reading the meters monthly. While a few
customers might benefit far more would experience an increase in their water bills with nobenefit to them. This proposed increase in the fixed customer charge is not needed, will
serve as a basis for future increases in the fixed customer charge, and sends a poor
message to the water company that innovation (such as electronic or remote readings) which
might reduce costs are less desirable than increase in overhead (the proposed rate increase
is to cover the cost for additional personnel, billing and collections attributed soley to
the conversion to monthly meter readings and billing). I will close with the old addage-
if it ain t broke don t fix it.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Perry Harding
The form submi ted onIP address is 4.227.160.217
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ellen~jutsum.com
Monday, October 29, 2007 3:54 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Ellen Jutsum follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Ellen A~ JutsumAddress: 4181 S stargazer Pl
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: ellen0jutsum. com
Name of Utility com nited Water of Idaho
Add to Mailing List. yes
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
This proposal by United Water is way out - of line. None of the justifications used by
them for the change holds water. (pun very- much intended) It will in effect cost customers
an extra million bucks a year with no benefits at all. How about the extra trucks and FUEL
wasted by all the new meter readers running around. I should say any responsible customer
has no trouble with the present bi-monthly billing in any of the respects listed by United
Water as reasons for the change.
This request by United Water should not be allowed. It is not needed!
Thanks for your consideration.Ellen Jutsum Boise, Idaho
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 63.24.54.126
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
fred~jutsum.com
Monday, October 29, 2007 3:38 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Fred Jutsum follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Fred JutsumAddress: 4181 S stargazer Pl
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: fred0jutsum. com
Name of Utility Company: United
Add to Mailing List: yes
Water of Idaho
'"'~..- ' ,
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
In reference to the request by United Water to change to a monthly billing from bi-
monthly billing: TheJ.,J;:', ;r-easons are ent:i"f~;t.y unjustified. This change will cost the
customers of UW over one million dollars a year which is the cost of more trucks and meterreaders etc.
If they really were concerned with customers they might consider changing to a less
frequent meter reading and putting everyone on a level pay plan. They could possibly
decrease expenses by that method.
That would counter their easier budgeting excuse.
I doubt that any customers would adjust their water usage based on the
just want our lawns to be green and adjust sprinklers accordingly.
billed usage.
The proposal they use that it will help with detection of leaks would still be mostly the
responsibili ty of the customer to monitor the usage and report abnormalities.
In summary: This change hold no real benefits for the UW customer and actually will cost
us over one million dollars with no advantage. There must be a better plan. This one islame.
Than you for your consideration,Fred Jutsum .. Boise
fred0jutsum. com
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 63.24.54.126
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ebobkat50~aol.com
Monday, October 29, 2007 3:53AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Robert Edwards follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Robert Edwards
Address: 11222 WHickory Hill
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: Ebobkat500aol. com
Name of Utility Compa
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We are not in favor of spending $1.12 million, to convert over to monthly billing.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 207.200.116.203
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Jean Jewell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
pjclawson~hotmail.com
Sunday, October 28, 2007 11 :08 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from follows:
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Case Number:
Name:
Address:City:State:
Zip:
Home Telephone:Contact E-Mail: pj clawson0hotmail. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
How does doubling the number of billing cycle& (more accounting/paper-work) and doubling
the number of visits by United Water Idaho personnel to read the meter decrease the costsof running the business? I'm opposed to the change based on the extra work created that
will not change the quality of the service I already receive. I'm an adult and 1 can save
my pennies for two months just as easy as I can for one month.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.117.148
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Jean Jewell
100
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ccarver~cableone.net
Sunday, October 28, 2007 5:22 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Coree Carver follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Coree Carver
Address: 6401 S. Rockrose Way
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ccarver0cableone. net
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I recently received a letter regarding United Waters proposal to convert to monthly
billing, thus increasing water rates to pay for additional personel.
I do not see a benefit in increased billing/rates.
weak, at best.
The benefits for monthly billing are
Easier budgeting, increasing rates will not make it easier for people to pay. We have
come to expect our bill comes bi-monthly and budget for that. Why pay more for Water so
we can simply get bills more often?
Water conservation, people are either aware or not aware of water conservation, receiving
bills more frequently will not change water useage. My husband is quite wasteful withwater, I am quite frugal with water. It has more to do making consumers aware of water
conservation than billing frequency.
I suggest educating the public on water useage. How to water lawns efficiently, not let
water run when not in use, etc. Spend money on educating students in schools, put
commercials on tv, make people aware. Don t simply send bills out more often as I believe
it will not make a difference in the long run.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.117.116.134
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Jean Jewell
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Friday, October 26, 2007 5:57 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from follows:
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Case Number:
Name:Address: 2012 S Eagleson Rd
City: BoiseState:
Zip: 83705
Home Telephone:
Contact E-Mail:
Name of Utility Company: IUninted Water Idaho
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
UNITED WATER -- aNOTHER rIP
Why should 1 or anyone else, have to pay more for monthly billing than we previously
have. The Utility Companies have slipped this new item (monthly, custoner charge, or what
have you). If a customer would like to choose a billing plan to reduce their cost they
hould be GIVER THE OPPORTUNITY. Your car or house INSURANCE will let you
do that, and someone who wants to save, has a chance to do so.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.119.185.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
akrivy~micron.com
Friday, October 26, 2007 10:58 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Andrew Kri vy follows:
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Case Number: 06010012007
Name: Andrew Krivy
Address: 10310 Lake Hazel
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: akrivy0micron.com
Name of Utility compa United Water Idaho, Inc.
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
United water says they want to raise rates to. provide benefits by going to monthly
billing instead of bi-monthly billing. The letter they sent out listed what they called
benefi ts of going to this.
Easier budgeting is one.
any help from United water
A bunch of crap about more
to conserve water and save
wi th my budget.
More frequent visits to property by their personnel, to enable quicker detection of leaks
or meter problems. Another bunch of bull, if I have a leak, I will call them. I would
rather see them on my property less often, rather than more often.
Lastly, if you send out 6 bills a year versus 12 bills a year, that keeps their cost lower
and our rates lower. Leave it as is, consume less paper, save on their overhead. They
should stay at bi-monthly bills to keep their cost low and avoid a rate increase.
Bottom line, don t approve this request, it is the biggest bunch of hot air I have seen in
a long while. They did not provide one good reason to go to monthly billing that
benefits us private citizens. Andy
A pile of crap, private citizens should need, I know I don
to manage my personal budget. Poor reason.
timely water use rates to allow changes in personal water use
$$.
Again, I can manage my own water use and don t need help
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 137.201.242.130
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1~11d1
Jean Jewell
,/i A, V..v 10
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
aeson maddox~cableone. net
Friday, October 26, 2007 8:06 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from ALLEN L. MADDOX follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: ALLEN L. MADDOX
Address: PO BOX 191247 (2573 S MONITOR WAY)
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83719
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: aesonmaddox0cableone. net
Name of Utili ty Compa Uni ted water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am opposed to the change in the proposed billing cycle submitted by United Water.
on fixed income. 1 fail to see any advantage in this proposal. I do not want to
experience any increase in my billing. Thank you. Allen Maddox
I am
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.92.175.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rhubic~waitrose.com
Friday, October 26, 2007 2:35 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Dr Rick Ubic follows:
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Case Number: ?
Name: Dr Rick UbicAddress: 266 Greensboro Ct
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone:
Contact E-Mail: rhubic0waitrose. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
This morning 1 received a letter from United, Water informing me that on 17 September they
filed an application (no case number was given) with IPUC asking for the authority to
switch to monthly billing and an increase in the fixed customer charge to fund the switch.
One of their justifications for the switch is to save consumers money; however, I fail tosee how a 3.75% increase in my bill can *save * me money. Their other justifications are
all nonsense - I will not, nor will anyone, change water usage patterns as a result of theswitch. While 1 am happy to go over to monthly billing, I do not see that it's fair for
me to pay for United Water s desire to be paid more frequently.
The web address on their letter inviting comments
(www.puc.state.id.us/scripts/polyform.dll/ipuc) is a dead link, and I have been unable to
find details of this application on your website, so I am voicing my response in thisform. Please direct these comments as appropriate.
The form submited on http: / /www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 132.178.127.114
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
gopherfan1997~yahoo,com
Thursday, October 25, 20079:52 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Brian Oswald follows:
- - ---- - -- ------ --- - ------- ----- ---
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Brian Oswald
Address: 1666 Elder Ct
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83705-4879
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: gopherfan19970yahoo. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no
,....,.~"." ,..
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I disagree with United Water s plan to go from readings every 2 months to monthlyreadings. The customer will have to pay more for the same service. I think it is
reasonable to expect a E':iee American 'to bEt' ableP to budget for two months to cover a
reasonably small expense like the water bill. We ve got bigger problems in Idaho if we
aren t capable of 2 month budgeting.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.119.23.
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jean Jewell
Monday, October 29, 2007 10:49 AMJean Jewell
FW: United Water proposed "new" billing scheme
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Johnson (mail to: Bfj ohnson0ci tyofboise. orgJ
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 9:31 AMTo: Rick Sterling
Subj ect: United Water proposed "new" billing scheme
Rick,
I am providing these comments as a Boise resident and would appreciate it if you would see
that they are entered in to the mix for consideration.
Comments are in response to a recent article "United Water to renovate billing methods,
raise rates " by Brad Carlson in the Idaho Business Review.
I strongly disagree with UW' s proposal.
" '
It equates to a 100% increase to the billin~~eryice charge (billing twice as often, for
in the end, the same volume of water consumed). For the water customer there is no
apparent substantive benefit. It will just cost them more. Looks like this equates to a
ploy to increase company revenue in the name of conservation and maybe leak detection.
Also as a point of interest, the City bills on a bimonthly basis for sewer, solid waste
ETC. and purposefully set up a billing schedule to be off set from UW' s bimonthlyschedule. This way residents receive either a UW bill or a City bill, but not both on anygi ven month. City has determined that billing monthly is way too expensive (almost
double) and the City s billing staff sees no future in adding this surcharge to our
customers.
Bill Johnson
Boise Resident
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Jean Jewell
~~6 AV /10 t~.~ (f
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
catsansotta~aol.com
Thursday, October 25, 20076:31 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Cathy Sansotta follows:
- - --- - - ---- ----------- --- ------ ----
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Cathy SansottaAddress: 4505 SouthTinker Place
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: catsansotta0aol. com
Name of Utility comp~~ United Water SuezAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
In this time of recession, layoffs, gasoline prices, the last thing 1 need is yet another
rate hike. And to ease United Water s billing process is ridiculous and careless on theirpart.
United Water needs to leave their billing AS IS - I VOTE NO - please do not approve this -
their reasoning is equally stupid. Bi -monthly billing has worked for years as is.
As the old saying goes:IF IT AIN'T BROKE -- DON'T FIX IT!!'
PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE THIS $1,125,905 increase for monthly billing.
Thank you for listening!
Cathy Sansotta
Current United Water customer
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.116.144.
- - -------- -- - - ---- - - -- --- - - - -- - - - ---
if ~?A(u1
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
catsansotta~aol. com
Thursday, October 25, 2007 6:50 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Cathy Sansotta follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Cathy SansottaAddress: 4505 SouthTinker Place
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: 208-362~6795Contact E-Mail: catsansotta0aol. com
Name of Utility Compa~United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Suez
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I just discovered that the website United Water provided in their recent letter to
customers to file a comment is not a good website - if anyone is trying to comment by thewebsite they provided ~,it comes up with an error. I feel this is further manipulation ontheir 'part to pass thi~'in.crease of $1,125,905 for monthly billing.
The website in the letter (by the way - the letter does not include the case# either -another ploy??) is:
http: / /www. puc. state. id. us/scripts/polyform. dll/ipuc
Try it for yourself - it does not work - the only reason I was able to file my comments on
this is because I happened to keep the information provided in the Idaho Statesman - which
DOES have the right information.
It's going to be difficult for people to file comments when United Water Suez is too
stupid to even provide the correct websi te.
Please do not pass this increase - LEAVE BI-MONTHLY BILLING AS IS!!!
Thank you again,
Cathy Sansotta
Current United Water Customer
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.116.144.
- --- -- ---- ----- - --- ----------- --- ---
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
akabethy~aol.com
Thursday, October 25, 2007 1 :28 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Bill Freeman follows:
- - ----- --- -- - ----- - --- - - - ---- -- - - --
Case Number: United Water Monthly Billing
Name: Bill FreemanAddress: 1009 S. Owyhee St
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83705
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: akabethy0aol. com
Name of Utility compa Uni ted Water Idaho
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Dear IPUC:
Regarding the letter (received approximately October 11, 2007) from UWI to all customersgi ving reasons for converting to monthly billings: The reasons given are not compelling
and appear somewhat contrived. 1. Easier to pay? No, it is easier to write one check every
two months than to write a check every month. 2. Enhanced water conservation? Enhanced
water conservation through more frequent billings seems speculative; by the time a
customer gets the bill, it is already a week or two into the next billing period. Has
conservation been demonstrated convincingly in other UW service areas? 3. 'Quicker
detection and troubleshooting of customer leaks or meter problems.' I believe that more
frequent visits to water meters are unlikely to provide quicker detection and
troubleshooting of customer problems unless the problems are at the meters themselves.
Please ask: Is UWI finding a lot of problems as they read meters?
The change to monthly billing is going to cost more. What is UWI' s real reason for the
application to go to monthly billings? Is it cash flow, or being able to stop service
quickly to those who don t pay? The present system seems to work just fine. Please get
convincing answers and documentation before granting UWI' s request.
Thank you for your consideration,
Bill Freeman
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 66.193.42.
- - - - - - ---- - - - --- - - - - ---- - - --- - - ----
7./1
Jean Jewell
/10
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jerrylboise~aol.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:23 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from J. Lang follows:
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Case Number: wwi-w-07-04
Name: J. LangAddress: 5628 kriscliffe ct.
City: boiseState: id
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: j errylboise0aol. com
Name of Utility Company: united water
Add to Mailing List: 29
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
do not approve the change in billing of united water idaho, if they want to bill it'
customers each monthe they should be able to pay the extra hours for the reading, not the
customers
idaho
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.221.178.
- - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - --- ----- - ---- - -- ----
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Richard G. Wagner
11422 W. Gunsmoke St.
Boise, Idaho 83713
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October 24, 2007
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Re: United Water s desire to increase rates.
Dear Sir or Madam,
In para. # 4 of United Water's letter to their customers they indicate the "sole" reason for
needing an increase is so they can bill us monthly rather than every other month. Billing
me monthly benefits United Water... not me. They want to improve their cash flow.. .let
them pay for it, from their profits, not from me.
I urge you to please deny their request.
Sincerely,
:fl A d~~
Richard G. Wagner
UNITED WATER IDAHO lNG,
8248 West Victory Road , Boise , ID 83709
O, Box 190420, Boise, 1083719-0420
Tel: 208.362,1300. Fax: 208,362,1479
United Water
.:s. '-" e z.
Dear United Water Idaho Customer:
On September 17 , 2007 United Water Idaho filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission (IPUC) asking for authority to convert to monthly
meter reading and billing for all
customers. Currently, water meters are read and billed every two months,
There are a several benefits of monthly billing, including:
Easier budgeting and easier to pay than a bi-monthly bill;
Enhanced water conservation and lower bills through the provision
of more timely
information on consumption , allowing customers time to make changes in water use
practices during the irrigation season , thus saving money;
More frequent visits to your premises by United Water Idaho personnel
, enabling quicker
detection and troubleshooting of customer leaks or meter
problems,
In the Application United Water Idaho is proposing a revenue increase of $1
125,905. Under
the proposed Application the increase will be applied to the fixed
Customer Charge portion of
your bill which is not affected by how much water you use. The requested increase would raise
rates for all customers by about $1.15 a month (about 4 cents a day), bringing the average
annual residential customer bill from $368.61 to $382.44, or 3.75%.
Q..
~ The proposed increase is necessary to cover the increased costs of additional personnel , billing,
(and collections attributable solely to the conversion to monthly meter reading and billing.
To learn more about the company s Application please visit the company s website at
http://www,unitedwateridaho.com.
The proposal to convert to monthly billing and the proposed increase in
rates are subject to
review and approval by the I PUC. A complete copy of the proposal is available at the company
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:
ttp://www.puc.state.id.us/FI LEROOM/water/water. htm
You can also file a comment on the Application via the IPUC website at:
httP://www,puc.state.id.us/scripts/Polyform,dll/ipuc
Or mail comments to:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise , ID 83720-0074
Sincerely,
United Water Idaho
06010012007
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IDr"f;;() ,PUBL\((
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I I h.l \ t:0 \.I' rill;;'1 u ! 3932 Leland Way'
BoiSe, IdahO' 83709 .
October 25,2007
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box, 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720--0074
Sirs;
Enclosed are my lastbill and a cO'pyofUnited Water s letter saying that the poor'
things need more money to do nothing.
" :. The excuse, for another rate increase on top ofthe increase we had this year is that
they want to read the meter monthly now and that is going to cost so much more. 1 find it
amazing thatwe; the customer is charged to be a CUSTOMER We are now charged .
$16.21 to get water from a monopoly that gives us water that is nearly
undrinka.ble~ The
only other choice would be to dig a well, which we regret not doing when we moved to
this house 25 years ago. And now in our retiremenfwecannotafford to dig a well. And.
now we must use a water softener and filters in order to have drinkable water at more "expense.
When we moved here we .had decent water to drink. It was a bit-hard but it had no
unnecessary chlorine in it. !tdid tiot need a water softener nor did it need to be .
filteredin
order to drink it or cook with it. We hadwatertO'water our yard and garden. It
cost. us
$7.50 flat rate for winter and $15.00 flat rate for summer. Meters were never read, and we
were, billed monthly. ,There were, no customer charges needed. Now why could that have
been??? Would that be because South County Water was run
bya local company who
was interested in providing a service at a reasonable profit for the owners? I'd'
say that
was the case.
" .
.Then the owners gottoo old and sold to United Water. Our;
rates immediately
started to go up. Our,meter, was read every other month and so were our bills. Our water
bills have increased every year since. At first there was no customer charge. Now the
company uses the profiteering to pay their shareholders and CEO'
s. Now it has gone to
$16.21 within the last year and a half. Now they claim to want more to pay for monthly
billing???? The same people who read the meter on a bimonthly basis can do it monthly.
They are not additional-people. Billing may take a little more time but if they didn'
t farm
it to some group in Pittsburg~ Pa. and do it on their own computer I'm sure that the
excessive amount we pay for water would more than cover it. It is my opinion that the.
company was supposed to serve the customers whom PAY FOR A SERVICE and butter
their bread. Instead they, and all companies now want to serve ONLY the shareholders
and the customer isa secondary inconvenience as to serVice butthe moneybags to pay the
already weahhy.
. '. ". : ':- ., .
' As to the supposed averageannuarbill for acustomer\of$368.61 and gOing ';to
#382.44, well, that may apply to the postage stamps downtown. It does not apply to the
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, ID 83709
O. Box 190420, Boise, ID 83719-0420
Tel: [phone] . Fax: [phone]
~;'(
United Water
...:s. ............. e z:
Dear United Water Idaho Customer:
On September 17 2007 United Water Idaho filed an Application with the Idaho Public Ulilities
Commission (IPUC) asking for authority to convert to monthly meter reading and billing for all
customers. Currently, water meters are read and billed every two months.
There are a several benefits of monthly billing, including:
Easier budgeting and easier to pay than a bi-monthly bill;
Enhanced water conservation and lower bills through the provision of more finely
informaton on consumption. allowing customers time to make changes in water use
practices during the irrigation season, thus saving money;
More frequent visits to your premises by United Water Idaho personnel , enabling quicker
detection and troubleshooting of customer leaks or meter problems,
In the Application United Water Idaho is prop~sing a revenue increase of $1.125.905, U1der
the proposed Application the increase will be applied to the fixed Customer Charge portion of
your bill which is not affected by how much water you use, The requested increase would raise
rates for all customers by about $1.15 a month (about 4 cents a day), bringing the average
annual residential ':::ustomer bilr~8:61 to $382.44, or 3,75%.
, ..,, ,, -,~
he proposed increase is necessary to cover the increased costs of additional personnel , billing
\ and collecti'ons attributable solely to the conversion to mo1thly meter reading and billing,
""',_.
To learn more about the company s Application please visit the company s website at
http://www. unitedwateridaho.com
The proposal to convert to monthly billing and the proposed increase in rates are subject
review and approval by the IPUC. A complete copy of the proposal is available at the company
office at 8248 W. Victory Road , Boise, ID and at the Commission s office at 472 W. Washington
&ise,-ID---.--I--t----fs-~ ava~l-ab-Ie-Dn-line at the-+l2UG-website: ~__n- ----
ttp://WWW.Duc,state.id.us/FILEROOM/water/water.htm
You can also file a comment on the Application via the IPUC website at:
http://wwW.Duc.state.id.us/scripts/Dolyform.dlllipuc
Or mail comments to:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Sincerely,
United Water Idaho
06010Jj~OO7
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USAGE HISTORY
. ,....., ... .,. .. . ... .,..-.. .. ... ,., ......., , '' ...................,
P:~IIJ!4
...'" .,
Billing Date:
Account Number:
.....
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10/19107
06000999221040
$88.48
$88.48CF
$0,
$51.99
..,..,........".-.... . .._...
$51~~~
Bi-Monthly usage in hundred cubic feet
Previous Balance
Payments Through 10/19/07 Thank rou
Balance Forward
Current Charges Due 11/0812007
.. .,...,........ .....,'.... ..., ..
TOTAt.,AMOuN1':QUe
....
Aug'Oct Oct.Dee DeeFeb Feb Apr Apr-Jun Jun-Aug Aug Oet
SERVICE TO: WALT HICKSTEIN SERVICE ADDRESS: 3932 LELAND WAY BOISE ID
49171085
"~~~~~jil~t
. .,.. .
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:.:
M~~$(jre25 CCF ACTUAL
EQUIVALENT TO j8.100 GALLONS
$10,30 CUSTOMER CHARGE
$24.98 tJ--~ ,. SAFE DRINKNG WTR FEE
$35.28 ~M UL- TOTAL CURRENT CHARGES
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR ~PORTANT ACCOUNT INFORMATION
10/15/07
5 CCF (W $1.2112
16.5 CCF ~ $1.514l
WATER CHARGE SUBTOTAL
SC8
16.
$51. 99
.....,... ,.." ... .. .... ... ......,.".,.,.'.
11~~TI~t'.NI $'$.A~~I.
... .
"'For a small convenience fee , you can now pay your bill any time by calling 888-608-6690. '"
Donate to UW Cares, and help those in our community who need assistance paying their water bills. Contributions are taxdeductible, and 100 percent of your donation goes to helping families meet their most essential need - water. United Water willmatch all customer donations up to $20 000 annually. Donations can be mailed to UW Cares, P.O. Box 190420, Boise, ID83719-0420. Thank you for your generosity. **
---.'-----.."----.-----. '
0230RE PLEASE DElAGH "ERE AND RETURN TIlE BOTTOr.! PORTIer, WITH YOUR PAYMEr-T I~; TilE RElURN ENVELOPE PROVIDED.------_mn_mu_---Un____m_n--.' .n_---__n133B OCTO7 DOB:!OOT
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1 JOB OCTO7 "OB2oo7
Account Number:
Balance Forward
06000999221040
$0.
$51. 99
$5~;1~ .
..1/91
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United Water-s'-"'ez
8248 West Victory RoadBoise, ID 83709
SERVICE ADDRESS: 3932 LELAND WAY
BOISE ID
Current Charges Due 11108/2007
T()"~~,A,NlQUNft)tjla; :.
: ..... :...
neti#Cwlj#.p&#i~tp:,q&/t?i:rVf~r~ftif1AH(j:.
Please check this box if you have made any
changes to the information on the reverse side.Payment Amount Enclosed
111111111111111111111111111111111111111'11111111111 111111111I11
u-uAUTO"*DIGIT 83709 1781 T7:7
WALT HICKSTEIN
3932 LELAND WAY
BOISE 10 83709-4656
111111111,11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 lli'
UNITED WATER IDAHO
PAYMENT CENTER
PO BOX 371804
PITISBURGH PA 15250-7804
0600099922104000000005199000000009
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