20071115Comments.pdf

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Martin Bettwieser
3862 Yorktown way
Boise, Idaho 83706
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ID;\HO F'UBLIC
UTILITIES COMMISSIO; '
November 9, 2007
Re: United Water rate increase
To the IPUC:
Concerning the recent application of United Water in request for and
increase in rates, let me state the request is a smoke screen to increase rate
for it's own benefit and doesn t benefit the customer at alL
United water contends:
1- Easier Budgeting to pay than a bi-monthly billing:
This would not be easier and would be more expensive as it would cost
twice as much for billing and in reading the meter. Easier budgeting is
only applicable when there is level pay amount of which is could be
achieved on a Bi-monthly basis.
Enhanced water conservation and lower bills through the provision of
more timely information and consumption, allowing customers time to
make changes in water use practices during irrigation season, thus
saVIng money.
This contention would not save water consumption, the only thing that
would reduce water consumption is rain and cooler whether.
More frequent visists to your premises by United water Idaho
Personnel, enabling quicker detection of troubleshooting customer
leakes or meter problems.
Again a smoke screen excuse that would only cost the customer money.
A meter leak is so minimal that it would not have any significant effect
on water problems. 99.9 percent of water leaks that are made manifet
are in the water line itself, which is not monitored by the water
company, and not at the meter.
Please reject this smoke screen request for a rate increase as a benefit to
the customer when it is clearly only meant to increase and benefit
United Water Company alone.
Sincerely
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1-t L:: i ,. Thomas Holst
4510 Samara St.
2liu'l NOY 13 AI:j 8: 32 Boise, ill 83703
Nov. 9, 2007 IDE,HC) DUF;!IG
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Attn: Comments & Questions
p, O. Box 83720
Boise, ill 83720-0074
Re: Case No. UWI-07-, Order No. 30446
IPUC
Yesterday I received a form letter ITom United Water Idaho Inc. announcing their
intention to switch ITom bi-monthly meter reading and billing to monthly, claiming that it
would benefit me, the United Water customer. After reading the "benefits" they claimed
in the letter, I came to the conclusion that there are NO tangible benefits to the customer
just a lot of smoke. If there are any benefits, they are hidden benefits for United Water
and not the customer. This is a classic case of "If it ain t broke, don t fix it". I've been
paying for my water on a bi-monthly basis for nearly 30 years without any problems.
In the same letter, United Water Idaho states that this change will increase the average
customer s water bill by 3.75%, just to cover the cost of the change. This means 8 more
UWI employees, more vehicles, meter reading equipment, plus billing, postage and
payment processing costs. This would effectively double the cost of meter reading and
billing over what it is now and makes no sense at all. This increase is also more than I
will receive as a cost ofliving adjustment to my retirement fixed income, so it's a losing
proposition for me and every other UWI customer.
I urge the IPUC to deny this application, in the interest of water customers who have no
other choice for water access.
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Thomas Holst
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I "" i, L.\ Ii .. F Ut, L \ (~ ~ \0 .'Concerning the attached letter to raise rates to cover incr~~~WiJih~~~~~~?th~~thly billing for
United Water.
This is NOT good.
There is no way doubling the billing periods will save money. As a customer I do not want to
pay for this increase in fees.
Please do not allow this.
Thank you.
Greg Hampton
United Water customer - and one that does NOT want to pay more fees!
12550 W. Woodmurra Ct.
Boise, ill 83709
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O. Box 83720
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Boise, Idaho 83720-0074 Luul t~U1 "t HI'
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United Water Company
November 12, 2007
Subject:
Gentlemen
Attached is a copy of a request for a rate increase by United Water. From the
contents of this letter, the sole purpose is to increase charges so they can bill
every month instead of bi-monthly. Neither of the online comment links listed in
their letter work, so I am doing this the old-fashioned way.
Their letter is disingenuous and misleading, typical United Water. The last part of
their second bullet says the proposal will allow "customers time to make changes
in water use practices during irrigation season , thus saving money;" And this
saving money" will only cost the customers $1 , 125 905! Such a deal!
How stupid do they think we are? If I want to know how much water I'm using, I go
read my water meter and compare it to my most recent bill. AND I can do this
without charging anyone $1 125 9051
This is just another way for United Water to rip us off and ship our money off to
France (via New Jersey). You know , for any other business except utilities, the
larger your customer base becomes , the unit prices go DOWN, not UP. It's called
economy of scale. Utilities, for some reason , have never heard of this and the PUG
doesn t seem interested in educating them about it.
Instead of this outrageous proposal , I recommend that United Water go to
quarterly billing or, heaven forbid , electronic meter reading, to reduce their costs.
They could get rid of all their meter readers and half their accountants. If they re so
worried about our ability to pay our bimonthly bills, how about a level-pay concept
like other utilities have , to dampen the effects of their increased summer rates?
It is time for the PUG to stand up for the citizens of Idaho and tell the utilities that
the PUG isn t going to roll over for them any more. And please fix your website.
David O'
1502 N. Street
Boise , Idaho 83702
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November 9, 2007
IDAHO PUBLiC
I!UTIES COMMISSIOi
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
To the Commissioners:
I would like to express my opposition to the monthly billing and revenue increase
proposed by United Water.
The City of Boise recently adjusted their sewage and trash billing so that it would
correspond to the month that United Water doesn t bill. I find this makes budgeting and
bill-paying easier, and to now have both water and sewer bill in the same month would
have the opposite result.
Presently, United Water s customer service fee is the highest that I pay on all of my
utility bills. My most recent bill (dated 10/31/07) was for $44.93. Of that amount, the
customer charge was $16.21 , or 36% of my bill. In spite of how much I try to conserve, I
still face that large customer charge. I feel that increasing it even more discourages water
conservation because I don t see that my efforts make much of a difference in my bill.
I have read that United Water has promoted this increase and the monthly billing as a
way to help customers conserve water in the summer. I do not agree that billing
customers monthly over twelve months will help them conserve over a three month
period. I believe that a summer incentive program such as Idaho Power offers would
have better results.
Thank you for considering my comments when making your decision.
Sincerely,
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Linda Georgiev
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O. Box 190137 HE:C:E:\
Boise, ill 83719-0137
12 November 2007 lUG ! ~mv i L;. Ml 8: 0
Commissioner
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
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Dear Commissioner:
I would like to respond to United Water Idaho s 17 September 2007 application to convert to
monthly meter reading and billing for all its water customers.
I would first like to ask what is the identifiable problem to which monthly meter reading and
billing is the solution? I can think of none. How is monthly billing better than the established
bi-monthly billing? I am adamantly opposed to this proposal, and suggest and urge the
Commission deny the application. It does nothing to help me or others as customers of United
Water Idaho; what it does is increase my costs, doubles the number of checks I need to write over
the year and doubles the amount of postage I have to pay to send in the bill. How is this a benefit
to me? The application states that the proposed monthly increase would be used to staff up to
handle the increased cost of additional personnel, billing, etc. Why should I and other customers
have to pay for United Water Idaho to increase its staff for no apparent benefit to the customers?
I respectfully urge the Idaho State Public Utilities Commission to deny United Water Idaho
application to convert to monthly meter reading and billing. Please contact me if you have any
questions about my comments.
Thank you.
Sincerely,)hd~
Stephen Grabowski
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Grant and Susan VanderLinden 11359 Tioga Boise, ID 83709
United Water
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8248 West Victory Road :J;;:
Boise, ID 83709
In response to your letter notifYing customers of an application to the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission for proposed increase which would be applied to thefrxed customer charge on
every customer s bill, we adamantly oppose such increase. Our bill for September and October
was $160.96, which was higher than usual because the irrigation water was turned off early.
Our customer charge was $21.31 (What is thatfor???), we are charge $.50 safe drinking water
fee (shouldn t we expect our water to be safe to drink anyway!) and a Boise franchise fee
$4.67 (now, what s that all about??). We think United Water should be a non-profit servicenot a big business lining pockets of administrators and managers. When we moved here, ourwater bill was $6.50 per month and when we used water for our lawn in the summer it was under
$50.00 for two months. With the price of gasoline rising daily, as well as other commodities
additional increases for water, our most basic, natural resource, will impose a burden on some
families and businesses. United Water needs to be fair to the residents of this community and itneeds to be accountable for the millions of dollars it collects in revenue for water, a natural and
free resource. We re tired of being nickel and dimed to death!
We also oppose the monthly billing. Ada County Billing Service (garbage) bills on the opposite
month.
JfJSusan VanderLinden
cc. Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Attorney General's Office
Jean Jewell
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Thursday, November 08, 20076:04 PM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Robert C. Johnson follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Robert C. Johnson
Address: 9547 W. McAuliffe St.
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83714
Home Telephone:Contact E-Mail:
Name of Utility Company: United
Add to Mailing List:
Water
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
m writing in regard to a recent mailing from United Water detailing their request to
swi tch to monthly billing. One of their talking points ' was that it would help usdumb' user I customers better manage our water usage.
m in total support of conservation on all fronts!
My latest billing statement reflected my actual usage of $9.16 with aCustomer Charge ' of $16.21. Their mailing reflected yet another rate increase yet to
cover their Corporate expenses for the ' conversion yet nothing about a decrease of themonthly' Customer Charge Two more rate increases in desguise.
What their pushing is the water that belongs to all of us here in the Treasure Valley. Weas indi vigules are all paying more for the same. Perhaps maybe this time Maybe the huge
Multi National Conglomerates should take the hit for changing the way they do business.
As a Commission, I'm asking that you look after the Public s interests instead of theUtilities.
Thank You.
Robb Johnson
9547 W. McAuliffe St.Boise, 10 83714
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc'l/ipuc.html1P address is 66.232.80.177
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Jean Jewell
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Friday, November 09, 2007 8:00 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Earline Thomas follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Earline Thomas
Address: 5466 W Samara Ct
City: Boise
State: Id
Zip: 83703
Horne Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail:
Name of Utility Compan~~United Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I obj ect to United Water s request to convert to monthly meter reading and billing for allcustomers. I think the bi-monthly meter reading and billing is quite satifactory. I not think more frequent billing will help customers conserve water. On the contrary, Ibelieve it is a waste of energy and resources to proceed with this notion. Also, anavoidable cost of living expense for people. I object strongly to this ill-conceivednotion on the part of United Water.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.htmlIP address is 12.64.48.203
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Jean Jewell
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Thursday, November 08, 2007 11 :30 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from douglas tobin follows:
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Case Number:
Name: douglas tobin
Address: 5168 n. arrow crest way
City: boise
State: idaho
Zip: 83703
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail:
Name of Utility Company: United WaterAdd to Mailing List: .
Please describe your question or comment briefly:Topic: United Water s proposal for a rate increase to apply a monthly billing process.Comment: I feel it is unaceptable to apply an increase to fixed cost for The Company
request. Nor am I convinced that this proposal will help me as a user to lower my costsof water usage with more information. Currently the ' fixed' customer cost for United
Water billing to the end user, me, is more than 2/3 of the total average annual cost for
water based on their own data, and my billings. Leaving me 1/3 of the total to try and
manage, control, and reduce the cost of water. Without additional ranting, I am opposed
to having my fixed costs increase by United Water for the monthly billing process change.Thank you. Douglas Tobin
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.htmlIP address is 66.232.81.
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Theresa Marie Stone
5649 E. Mineral Dr.
Boise, ID 83716
208-368-0844
Idaho Public Utilities Commission;
I wanted to comment on your web site, but it is conveniently out of service so you won
get near the amount of comments you should. I feel this is irresponsible..
I do not think the proposed rate change to accommodate monthly billing is a good idea. It
is a cost I do not want to pay. It will not benefit me in any way.
I will continue to also state that the water may meet Federal and State regulations but it
still tastes lousy and I feel something should be done to correct it.4~~
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Barb Barrows
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 2:43 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Mary Dambitis follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Mary Dambitis
Address: 2611 E. Mokena
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail:
ame of Utility compa . United Water
Add to Mailing List: yes
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
The City of Boise recently went to a new billing cycle to coorespond with United Water
billing cycle. This way residents receive a monthly billing, one month is for City thenext is for Water. I was happy with the former billing cycle for Boise City. Are they
going to re-cycle their bills to further coincide with United Water? Who is asking for
the change? The change should benefit United Water and therefore costs should not bepassed' to the consumer. I object to this change. I use the unbilled months to set
money in savings.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 65.102.78.
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Sent:
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Subject:
lamb~spro.net
Saturday, November 10, 2007 8:20 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Sebastian Lamb follows:
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Case Number: United Water - Convert bi-monthly to montly billing
Name: Sebastian Lamb
Address: 5570 W. Lake River Lane
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83703
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: lamb&Jspro. net
Name of Utility Compa~~ United Water of Idaho Inc.Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:Dear Sir:
* MY WIFE AND I OBJECT TO THE UNITED WATER PROPOSAL TO SWITCH FROM BI-MONTHLY TO
MONTHLY WATER METER READINGS. . .AND RAISE THE RATES TO COVER THE INCREASED COST.
* IT MAKES NO SENSE.
* PLEASE DENY THE APPLICATION.
* Our residential neighbors with 1/4 to 1/3-acre lots pay over $400.00 per two months
during the growing season. That is an appalling amount of money for a non-energy utility.
* The letter received today from United Water had three benefits I to monthly
billing.. .ALL BOGUS. They included...
Easier to pay a monthly bill than a bi-monthly bill.HUH? It adds up the same
amount!
* Save money by having I more timely information to make changes in water .use.HUH?
We consumers make water use changes according to WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE PATTERNS... not
according to WHEN WE RECEIVE A BILL.
* Weather and temperature patterns are carefully recorded DAILY in the Idaho Statesman
for us homeowners.
* Meter readers coming monthly ' enable quicker detection and troubleshooting of
customer leaks... COME ON! When was the last time you heard of a meter reader stopping
to help a homeowner with leaks in his sprinkler system?
* THE PROPOSED REQUEST FOR A REVENUE INCREASE OF $1,125 905.00 OUT OF OUR POCKETS TO
BILL TWICE AS OFTEN HAS NO MERIT. DENY THE APPLICATION REQUEST.
Thank you for reading.Sebastian & Carol Lamb 208-853-3452
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 206.207.104.
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Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
dougwisdom~gmail.com
Saturday, November 10, 2007 1:43 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Doug Wisdom follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Doug Wisdom
Address: 3933 N Hackberry Way
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: dougwisdom~gmail. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am writing to urge the PUC to deny United Water's request to change their billing cycle
from bi-monthly to monthly. Despite United Water's claim that there are benefits to the
consumer by changing their billing cycle, in fact, the opposite is true. United Water is
asking for the users to pay over a million dollars a year for the inconvenience and wasted
time of having to deal with their bill twice as often. The inconvenience and cost of this
proposal is hardly a benefit for the consumer. If you are really concerned about
conserving resources, you can start by turning down United Water s request.
Thank you,
Doug Wisdom
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.92.233.162
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Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
mmuthart~cableone.net
Saturday, November 10, 2007 2:09 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Mike Muthart follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Mike Muthart
Address: 7686 W. Rygate Dr.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
zip: 83714
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: mmuthart~cableone. net
ame of Utility comp~ United WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:I oppose this application filed by United Water. There is no need to convert to a monthlybilling system. A bi-monthly billing and usage summary is quite adequate for us, the
customers. United water stated several benefits for a monthly billing. Regardless of
their claimed benefits, which I do not agree with , they are minimal and do not justify arate increase. Please deny this request on behalf of all United Water customers. Thank
you.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 72.24.180.199
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Barb Barrows
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
john(fYmtnflyer.com
Sunday, November 11 20077:13 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from John Barsness follows:
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Case Number:
Name: John Barsness
Address: 3651 E Sweet Pea Ct.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: j ohn~mtnflyer. com
Name of Utility comp United WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am writing in regards to United Water's application for a fee increase in order to read
meters monthly. They are seeking an increase of over a million dollars for this cause.
I, along with many other residents of Boise, are ' maxed out' financially. Increases infuel, groceries , and other basic needs have streched my budget past the breaking point.
This is NOT the time for a huge increase in water bills. Many families are fighting to
sta~ afloat with the bad economic conditions, layoffs at Micron and in constructionindustries, etc. We do not need a new 'monthly ' water bill. What United Water does nowis just fine. Also, I believe our water bills are already way too high.
PLEASE say I no' to Uni ted Water's reques t
Thank You John Barsness Boise
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.216.233.135
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Barb Barrows
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Idcrockett(illcableone. net
Sunday, November 11 , 2007 1 :03 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Larry Crockett follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Larry Crocket t
Address: 2234 White pine Place
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ldcrockett~cableone. net
Name of Utility compa
~~
United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am opposed to United Water going to a monthly billing. I don I t believe the reasons
listed are vaid and I feel it is a waste of resources to increase the frequency of the
meter readings and billing cycle. The current system works great with the City of Boise
bi-monthly billing. In addition the added cost to the consumer is not necessary. This
proposal only serves to increase the cash flow for United Water. It is time for us to cut
back on the use of energy not increase it by reading everyones meter once per month.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.117.99.
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
brow405~yahoo.com
Sunday, November 11 , 2007 1:10PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Marilyn H. Brown follows:
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Case Number: ?? Application to convert to monthly billing
Name: Marilyn H. Brown
Address: 3779 Clacton Way
Ci ty: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83716
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: brow405~yahoo. com
Name of Utility comp~ United WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
The benefits of monthly billings do not seem to outweigh the increased cost.
Why not let the electricity consumers/customers decide.
would be highly surprised if the majority would be in favor of the change.
Why not institute quarterly billing like the trash billings of ADA county.
There would be savings all around.
Furthermore if a client would like more frequent payments give them the option of a yearly
level payment plan.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 172.193.220
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Barb Barrows
IIJI'-I/O!
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
robert- e - dillon(Q2msn.com
Monday, November 12 , 2007 1:46 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Robert Dillon follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Robert DillonAddress: 4122 Ticonderoga Way
Ci ty: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: robert e dillon~msn. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Comment -
This is regarding United Water's request for an increase in rate to implement monthlybilling. I received a form letter from them stating four bullet points on the filing.
The first says that it will be easier to budget and pay that a two month bill. In reality
I just get to write six more checks a year to United Water and pay for the privilege of
doing so. They might have pointed out to me that it increases their cash flow and affects
their bottom line. The second point stated that it would enhance water conservation and
lower bills through the provision of more timely information. I don I t thinks so. The
third bullet point is that with more frequent visits to my house by United Water they
would be more able to detect and troubleshoot customer leaks. I had a leak in 2005. Over
the course of six months my usage increased dramatically and the guy who read the meter
didn't discover a thing. Their computer kicked out a high usage notification to them and
they sent me a form letter. I determined there was a leak and had it fixed. Their bullet
points don t justify a thing to me. They want monthly billing it will affect their
bottom line in a positive fashion and the water users will get to pay for it. That's whatthey should say.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.221.186.
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, J4. -~.
IIJt'-i10l
;f,J',
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Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jgood55~ctcweb.net
Monday, November 12, 20074:16 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Robert follows:
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Case Number: UWI-O7-
Name: Robert
Addre s s: Goodman
Ci ty: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83714
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: j good55~ctcweb. net
Name of Utility comp~: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I oppose the change from a bi-monthly to a monthly billing cycle. The $1 125,905 increase
charge to the consumer offers no tangible value while increasing our individual monthly
water cost by $1.15. This increase to the fixed Customer portion of the bill appears to
afford United Water the opportunity to request a future increase to allow a guaranteed
profit on a larger fixed operating cost basis.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 66.232.81.131
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3JI
~(
Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
BMoritschtmaol.com
Monday, November 12, 2007 6:35 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Tom Nichols follows:
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Case Number: UWI-O7-
Name: Tom NicholsAddress: 4485 N. Arrow Crest Way
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83703
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: BMoritsch0aol. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
My comment is that I am opposed to the proposed change to monthly billings. The reasons
given by united Water are weak (better consumer planning, budgeting, and maintenance),
especially when compared to a doubling of the number of trips needed to read water meters.
This would increase traffic, use more vehicle. fuel , and contribute to more greenhouse
emissions. It seems to me that the company should be looking for ways to save energy 1 and
this proposal does just the opposite.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 207.200.116.203
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Barb Barrows
,( ~I" 10"r/ 1"0
/.(
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bnbhawley(Q;)yahoo.com
Monday, November 12, 2007 9:59 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Robert Hawley follows:
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Case Number: United Water Application for monthly billing and rate increase
Name: Robert Hawley
Address: 1915 N 16th St
Ci ty: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: bnbhawley~yahoo. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water~dd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise , Idaho, 83720-0074
Comment on United Water request for monthly billing and monthly cost increase:
As a retired individual living in Boise, Idaho i' m concerned about this proposed change inbilling. Currently we are billed every other month for water and rotating with the Boise
Utility bill for sewer and trash. Since i'm on a fixed income the current system is very
favorable to me.
I fail to see just how this change is a positive one for me, it just doesn t makefinancial
sense to me.
MY WATER BILL WOULD GO UP!
MORE FREQUENT VISITS TO HOMES -MORE LABOR =HIGHER COSTS.
HIGHER OVERHEAD FOR THE WATER COMPANY.
HIGHER PRINTING AND POSTAGE COSTS.
I see the only reason for this increase is to increase monthly revenue for United Water.
They are a regulated utility and entitled to a fair rate of return , but this is not fair
to the
consumer.
Robert Hawley
1915 N 16th St.
Boise, Idaho 83702
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.174.12.176
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,~II"""
Barb Barrows
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ariel. blair(illthoughtcatalysts.com
Monday, November 12, 2007 12:29 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Barbara Blair follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Barbara Blair
Address: 1510 N. 22nd Street
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ariel.blair0thoughtcatalysts. com
Name of Utility comp~United WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
On September 17 , United Water filed an application asking for authority to convert to
monthly meter reading. This goes against good business sense and penalizes those of us who
do not use much water. On average more than 75% of my water bill is fixed charges. The
actual charge for water I used in September and October was $4.98. Yet, I have a total
bill of 22.33. Under the proposal that total will be $23.48 and receive no benefit at all.
I do not need a monthly bill. In a time when all kinds of businesses are reducing staff
doing non-value added administrative work, United Water wants to increase this type of
activity. This makes no sense. It is on the verge of fraud.
Regards,Barbara Blair
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.215.30.
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Barb Barrows
I H."" /1-11"-ff !pJ.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
krbissell(g2msn .com
Monday, November 12 , 2007 2:54 PM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Kevin Bissell follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Kevin Bissell
Address: 3244 E. Boulder Heights Dr.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83712
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: krbissell~msn. com
Name of Utility comp~ United Water Idaho , IncAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
In regard to switching from bi-monthly to monthly billing, United Water offers
questionable arguments. 1. They state monthly billing is easier to pay. I would ratherwrite a one check every other month and I can easily budget for bi-monthly billing.
They state ' enhanced water conservation will result from monthly billing. This is only true
in the months of June, July and August. 3. They state the supposed benefit of more
frequent visits to private premises. This is not a benefit but a disruption for
homeowners. Extra visits waste fuel, add to traffic congestion and create problems for dog
owners. Plus United Water is proposing an increased charge of $1.15 per month for this
questionable benefit. United Water is using this case as a thinly veiled excuse to
increase cash flow. In light of these weak arguments , bi -monthly billing should remain thestandard.
Respectfully,
Kevin Bissell
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 168.103.40.191
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j4-J'v
IIIILf/~--1Barb Barrows
./~
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
worbois(g)aol.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:00 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Dean Worbois follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Dean WorboisAddress: 1809 North 9th Street
City: Boise
State: ID
zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: worbois~aol. com
Name of Utility comp~, United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I want to go on record against the change to monthy billing by United Water.
1) it is working now , so why charge a 3.75% increase to fix it?
2) the summertime surcharge was added to encourage conservation. Making the payment easy
will take away this motivation. If the change is allowed and the increase in set fees
imposed, the surcharge for summer usage over 3 CCF should be eliminated.
3) city billing for sewer and trash have been rescheduled to every other month to make it
so one or the other of these bills comes due when theh other is not. Monthy billing by
United Water would make higher bills when city billing is due.
Thanks.
One more thing, if I may ask - - about that summer surcharge or concervation--
1) how was 3CCF every two months figured? I live alone and use 5 or 6 CCF just for myself
in the winter. Families must use close to 20CCF or more.
2) does the money from this surcharge go to the state for conservation efforts? Does the
company have to use it for conservation efforts or to build new capacity? Or is it pureprofi t?
Thanks again
Dean
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 205.188.117.135
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J. AA-
11/'0/0'1
Barb Barrows
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
mseIl44~hotmail.com
Wednesday, November 14 , 200712:17 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Matthew Sell follows:
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Case Number: uwi-07-
Name: Matthew Sell
Address: 2357 N. Sunview lane
Ci ty: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: msel144~hotmail. com
Name of Utility comp~~United water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment
I oppose the proposed change to monthly
briefly:
billing for United Water.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.71.188.
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/.
L4. A~ fj-vY'L--
~'-
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Barb Barrows
.)1'0 AJI
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
mlesm~hotmail.com
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 12:32 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Linda Murphy follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Linda Murphy
Address: 11209 W Hickory Loop Dr
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: mlesm~hotmail. com
Name of Utility comp~~ United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I,-want to comment on the ridiculous request by United Water that the public pays for the
costs for conversion to a monthly billing. If United Water wants to pay to get their
money faster on a monly basis, then they should finance this conversion out of their own
profits. Thats the way a profit based company works. I would propose other options fortheir I dilemma'. 1. Give people the option to pay their bills electroncially on a monthly
basis with no service charge. 2. Send paper bills monthly with no charge to the customer.
The interest earned on the amount of funds United Water will receive 30 days earlier
should pay for the change in service. 3. Charge people that still want to recive paper
billings on a bimonthly, semi annual or annual schedule.
As a sole proprietor, I would never ask my customers to pay for a change in billing to
make my life easier. That what 'profits' are fot!!!
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.61.57.179
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II ~(I'1(if\
Barb Barrows ,
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bjorkman9744(Q2aol.com
Wednesday, November 14 , 200712:44 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Eric Bj orkman follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Eric Bj orkmanAddress: 1970 Wood Duck Ln
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: bjorkman9744~aol. com
Name of Utility comp~ United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
United Water should not be able to increase their rates in order for them to pay for a
monthly billing schedule. If they want to bill monthly the costs of doing so whould comeout of their profits.
The prestent bi-monthly billing is just fine
Eric Bj orkman
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.167.158.
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u~/VV
11(1'1(0
--1
Barb Barrows
//(0 /f:; 0~
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
radclays(Qtaol.com
Wednesday, November 14, 200712:49 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Randy Ingram follows:
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Case Number: uwi-07-
Name: Randy Ingram
Address: 5008 willow In
Ci ty: BoiseState: id
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: radclays~aol. com
Name of Utility comp~ United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Concerning United Waters attempt to move billing to every 2 months
My issue is the customer charge is $16, For what they do (read the meter?) this charge is
excessive. I do not think that I should be paying an extra $32 a year so that my billing
is more frequent. There should be a reduction since they are getting paid sooner for
their product. A reminder to those of you who have never been late on water payments,
they want to shut your water off over $4.32 if you're over the 10 days past due. I find
this astounding and ridiculous and do not believe that their customers should reward bad
business behavior by submitting to their whims
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.92.252.
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I\II'-\)(,~
Barb Barrows
/10 A-\J,./1.
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
alrmbr(g)msn.com
Wednesday, November 14, 20071 :20 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Art Royce follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Art RoyceAddress: 9710 W. Halstead Dr.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83704-6712
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: alrmbr~msn. com
ame of Utility comp~United Water , Idaho~dd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am against their prop losal to go to a monthly billing cycle. I firmly believe that the
conversion will just add additional costs ( meter readers, processing oersonal and related
management staff ) to them and they in turn will use that data in a case to raise theirrates. If the purpose of the proposed change , as I understand it is to ' level' out
their flow of income , they could do the same by splitting their customer base in half and
bill 1/2 each month. Yes this would cause a burp in their income for a month or two but
then it would level out.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.167.141.
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Barb Barrows
/ fd'" II WII ((I /1"ti..!!
/1-
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
sueinboise~yahoo.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:22 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Sue Slade follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Sue SladeAddress: 1916 S Division Ave
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Te 1 ephone: 2 08 - 3 3 8 - 0 792
Contact E-Mail: sueinboise~yahoo. com
Name of Utility compa United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am totally against the use of $1.12 million increase in revenue to be used to convert
water bills to monthly billing. What a waste! ! !
! !
Too many other places to put the money. How about conservations issues et. Wouldn t that
also be using more paper more trees???
Come on!!!! Please re-think this ridiculous move. We can't afford it.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.92.150.152
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. -
14--k~
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Barb Barrows
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
KLlCK7(Q2msn.com
Wednesday, November 14, 20072:24 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Deborah Klick follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Deborah Klick
Address: 11986 W. Shetland Ct.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: KLICK7~msn. com
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Concerning raising rates to afford monthly billing
with leaving billing as is?
I am opposed.What I s the problem
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.209.31.129
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1.4~ ~111'i/o1
Barb Barrows
t/f. J4-V /;:~'
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
nancyhhc(Q;)m indspring .com
Wednesday, November 14, 20072:31 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from NANCY Halliwell follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: NANCY HalliwellAddress: 3001 s roosevelt #7
City: boiseState: id
Zip: 83705
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: nancyhhc0mindspring. com
ame of Utility compa United water~dd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I don't believe it is to the consumers advantage
even charge the consumer for the change.
to change to monthly billing and then
I would rather pay once every two months , it saves time, and stamps & checks.
For the united water it means more time , more employees, more postage - it does 't makesense. They must not be able to regulate their cash flow properly!
! ! ! !
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.209.14.199
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Barb Barrows
LA_'
~~
Il/J~/U1
1-1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
JRL 333~yahoo.com
Wednesday, November 14 20073:25 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Joseph R. Leary III follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Joseph R. Leary IIIAddress: 3630 N. 39th Street
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83703
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: JRL 333~yahoo. com
ame of Utility compa United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Case numbr: UWI-07-
In regard to allowing United Water a proposed increase of $1.12 million dollars in revenue
to convert water bills to monthly billing!
(I would also remind you that it should not be continuing revenue , but a simple one-time
cost for a trivial bookkeepping proj ect! )
First, it was NO accident that that the URL to comment on this outrageous action was
screwed up by the company in correspondence with its customers. And it is NO accident
that 'they cannot send out a CORRECTED letter.' Where I come from that's called maximumbullshit!
But ff course they can send out a corrected letter! What are they, some kind of retards?
(and the cost of sending an ACCURATE letter should be at their corporate and stockholder '
expense if they are so inefficient! Then maybe stockholders can see how incompetent their
management really is!)
They operate on the military princple that. It is far better to seek forgiveness than toask permisssion! I And they made NO mistake - they didn I t want a bunch of logical-thinking
customers asking why it takes $1.12 MILLION dollars to convert the preparation and
generation of water bills to a monthly procedure! This is an absolutly egregious
absurdi ty .
Second, having been a computer software engineer since 1962 , I can tell you for certain
that even in the most elementary college computing class, Software Engineering 101
any university, the instructor could assign that task AS A SIMPLE PROJECT to his mostignorant, beginnning, dolt-like students and get the whole project done for less than
$1000 dollars, and not for the $1.12 million dolars that United Water wants to soak its
consumers for. Even the most novice software engineer, worth half his salt, could solve
the problem in hours , not days or months.
I would remind you that our highly-efficient neighboring Portland Oregon, public Water
Bureau, tried the same procedure for its water customers , turning the conversion to
monthly billing into a $10,000 000 boondoggle that NEVER, EVER got finsihed by its
original contractors, and had to be started completely anew , precisely while soaking the
water rate payers for their stupid malfeasance - perhaps the instigators of that plan are
now in Idaho , practicing their wizardry in ripping off the public, the water companies,
and the taxpayers just like they did in Portland under the direct leadership of that
imbecilic moron, City and Water Commissioner Erik Sten! Does United Water employ him as
an advisor?
For that price of $1.12 million dollars , United Water could buy about 1,000 low-cost,
dedicated Dell workstations and ' off the shelf' database software to solve the
(artificially induced) monthly billing problem on a simple turnkey basis.
Please do not let these greedy slobs get away with this kind of public rip-off - if their
management is is either so bad or so stupid as to believe that it will take that kind of
money to deliver monthly water bills to the public (for which the cost of reading the
associated water meters more often will absolutely be factored into the monthly cost of
computing and sending the bill), then their management are either bumbling fools or idiots
and buffoons, or both, for thinking that the Idaho public is so stupid and gullible!
In that case I have either the Golden Gate Bridge or the Grand Canyon t? sell to them!
By the way in this ' GREEN ERA " monthly water bills mean twice as many postal calls, twice
as much wasted postage, twice as many handling procedures, double the fuel wasted, and
more extraneous service charges to the customers, passed on by the bill producers and
distributorsi moreover there will always be additional excessive postal services impacted
at some point in time, where they do NOT exist now.
Rather issuing than monthly bills, United Water , for the sake of efficiency, should be
transforming its billing to Quarterly forms , to make the process more efficient and much
more environmentally friendly.
Sorry guys, but it is NOT GREEN , but GREED that they are after!
Sincerely,
Joseph R. Leary III
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.117.25.154
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01 ft;- ~114o1
Barb Barrows
,/4 v1u
I If
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bobdeb(gjcableone.net
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 3:43 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from R.H REYNOLDS follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: R. H REYNOLDSAddress: 5036 BEL AIR
City: BOISE
State: IDAHO
Zip: 83705
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: bobdeb0cableone .net
Name of Utility comp~ United WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
United Water says they are only going to monthly billing because their customers want it.
I am one customer who is satisfied with billing every other month, and I feel the real
reason is United Water wants to speed their cash flow and want the customers to foot the
increased cost of meter readers, etc.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.60.58.111
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Barb Barrows
Ip:"111'~lu1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
hamang~transedge.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 4:30 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Tracy Haman follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Tracy HamanAddress: 541 Creekside Pl.
Ci ty: Nampa
State: ID
Zip: 83686
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: hamang~transedge. com
Name of Utility Company: United Wate
Add to Mailing List: no
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Customers should not foot the bill for converting to monthly billing
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.htmi
IP address is 216.217.154.
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I~ ~Ii/I"/UI
Barb Barrows
,f).
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Swingert(Q)multiquip.com
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 4:45 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Steve Wingert follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Steve WingertAddress: 7598 West Colt
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: Swingert~multiquip. com
Name of Utility comp~ United WaterAdd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I I m against any approval on this case of converting to monthly billing. To increase my
costs and billing expense (stamps , time, check fees, etc.) and then try to tell me it I S in
my best interest is ludicrous. Additional increases in my water bill due to
administration fees are just not justified. They want to do twice the work they currently
do rather effectively, hire more people, increase expenses, and expect me to pay for it?
I see no justification for this and urge you to decline this application.
Thanks, Steve Wingert
The form submi ted on
IP address is 67.137.192.147
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.I r3/N
Barb Barrows
/ ~
t/.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
suebcmcableone.net
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:20 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Susan Olson follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07 -
Name: Susan OlsonAddress: 2554 S. Swallowtail Ln.
Ci ty: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: sueb0cableone. net
Name of Utility compa United Water~dd to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I oppose to any surcharge/fee or whatever they want to call it because United Water wants
to go to monthly billing. Bi-monthly or monthly billing is fine with me. The customer
should not be penalized because they (United Water) want to change their system. That is
their cost of doing business.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.119.239.103
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~/41~
Barb Barrows
/,1 u~-
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
kittygoogly(Q2msn .com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:34 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from j an glandon follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: jan glandonAddress: 3440 w. hansen ave
City: boiseState: id
Zip: 83703
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: kittygoogly0msn. com
Name of Utility compa united Water Idaho
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I think the $1.15 a month to cover the cost of converting to monthly water bills is
totally worth it. I am looking forward to monthly billing and so is my pocket book. People
on fixed incomes will especially welcome monthly billing. We will be able to watch our
water consumption so much easier with monthly billing. I truly hope this goes forward.
ve been waiting along time for this to happen. Thank you.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.221.133.213
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Barb Barrows
/J.-
/1(,'i(t51
./-1 I!-V'
J (-I
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jtchriscmcableone.net
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:48 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Terry Christenson follows:
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Case Number: UWI-W-07-
Name: Terry ChristensonAddress: 1002 W. Highlandview Dr.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: j tchris~cableone. net
Name of Utility comp United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am opposed to United Water's request for a change to monthly billing. This will cause
unnecessary added expense for customers without a significant added benefit. Thank you.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.117.25.134
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~'r'~I~vr:It,/!v &~-
.. H
Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
JLL3rdson~Yahoo.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 6:17 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Jerry L Lythgoe follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Jerry L Lythgoe
Address: 308 N. Archer
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: JLL3rdson~Yahoo. com
Name of Utility comp United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
They wish to go to monthly billing to serve us better.
I have always heard it cost a few bucks to send/collect a billing.
want to double that cost?
Why would United water
I will soon be on a fixed income. I can budget just as well for a bimonthly billing as a
monthly one. The monthly billing will cost me and the company more in stamps and papergoods. I will also mention time doing bills.
I think they would just like to have the customer's money a month earlier. The new
monthly billing is just a way to raise their rates w/o calling it a rate hike. United
Water will pass the increase cost of monthly billing on to use.
Thanks for thinking about keeping things the same and saving the consumer some time and
$$$ .
JLL
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 66.193.128.
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Barb Barrows
,; ~'f "if 01 t.J
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
hogg91672(Q2msn .com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 6:54 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Tom Hogg follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Tom HoggAddress: 2614 Davis Street
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: hogg91672~msn. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Why should the rate payers have to foot the bill for United Water to convert to a monthlybilling? If that is their decision then that it is their obligation to pay the costs, not
the rate payers.
Tom Hogg
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 204.99.199.
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HII~lJ1
j("r/Uv
1 /d
Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
marthamorg(g)msn.com
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 7:10 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Mr nd Mrs David Morgan follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Mr nd Mrs David MorganAddress: 4707 Albion St.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83705
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: marthamorg~msn. com
Name of Utili ty comp~~~ Uni ted Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We don I t think the customer should pay to have once a
fine if they are going to charge to bill once a month.
month billing. The way it is
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.167.135.144
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Barb Barrows
~f"'I()1
,/~;,.
t-J
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ulu.gurl(g)gmail.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:12 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Malina Maio follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Malina Maio
Address: 3712 patirica Lane
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ulu. gurl~gmail. com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no
-"'
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I think it would be a great benefit as a customer to switch to monthly billing like all
the other utility companys around town. I believe that if I was on a monthly billing cycle
and had an undetected leak on my property. I would catch it early and it would save me
alot of money opposed to waiting a full 60 days before I received my very high bill. The
second reason I think monthly billing is good is because I can budget much better off of
30 days instead of 60 days. These were the two main reasons I have always thought monthly
billing would be good for us. Thank You!
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 12.226.126
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IP ~lt1.(/6'
Barb Barrows
V1o
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
TYLR18NE~NETSCAPE.NET
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:21 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUG CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Daryl Taylor follows:
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Case Number: UWI-O7-
Name: Daryl Taylor
Address: 12638 W Collingwood St
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83719
Home Telephone:
Contact E-Mail: TYLR18NE~NETSCAPE .NET
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: ~o
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
The customers should not have to pay the 1.12 million dollars to upgrade their system. I
dont mind paying my water bill every other month the way it works now.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 72.24.232.148
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Barb Barrows
1~111~/"t/fD
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 8:33 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Paul Kosterman follows:
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Case Number: UWI-07-
Name: Paul Kosterman
Address: 11158 W Bridgetower Dr
Ci ty: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 93709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail:
Name of Utility comp~~retsok~peoplepc.com
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I understand that United Water would like its customers to absorb the cost of converting
to a monthly billing cycle. I strongly obj ect to this. Utili ties seem to go up faster
than any other service. Other businesses foot the bill when they change their methods;why shouldn t United Water do the same? My employer recently invested millions in a newcomputer system- -we didn I t increase our prices to cover it.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 207.173.99.122
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Barb Barrows
~1141g-1 v 10 All
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
barb 7780(Q2hotmail.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:19 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Barbara Robinson follows:
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Case Number: uw1-07-
Name: Barbara RobinsonAddress: 1507 Longmont Ave.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: barb7780~hotmail. com
Name of Utility comp
~~
United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am against this proposal. United Water wants to switch to monthly billing and then they
want to pass those additional expenses onto the consumer. Bimonthly billing saves paper
postage, and personnel time when compared to monthly billing. To increase costs for the
user is unfair. The Company would have one month I s income accruing interest that it
doesn't currently have, that should offset expenses. If it doesn 't, then keep the billing
system as is.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 164.165.78.
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1~(lqld1 /(;t~-; 11
Barb Barrows
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
kmidkiff~berkeley.edu
Wednesday, November 14 , 2007 9:32 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Karen Midkiff follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Karen Midkiff
Address: 1918 N. 12th Street
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone:
Contact E-Mail: kmidkiff~berkeley. edu
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no
...-
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We recently received notice that our water company would like to charge us an extra $1 a
month so that they can bill us monthly instead of every 2 months. According to their list
of benefits, it states this monthly billing will help reduce water consumption and save us
money. However , for those of us that already use as little as we can, I have a hard time
justifying the 3.75% increase in billing. Unless there have been specific costumers that
have requested the change, I don't see any benefits to the public, only to the water
company. Who initiated the change? Was it prompted by the public? I am curious to know.
Karen
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.92.194.233
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/ !Y:f;d"l/6
Jean Jewell
~~ tu~
~ M
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bluegecko~rmci. net
Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:58 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Mike Lydon follows:
----- - - --- -------- - ------- --- - - --- --
Case Number: UWI Rate Increase
Name: Mike Lydon
Address: 11915 W. Blueberry Ct
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83709
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: bluegecko0rmci. net
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no Idaho
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I strongly oppose a rate increase to pay for increased billing. The whole point of morefrequent billing is to lower the average bill. I would rather see UWI actively promotewater conservation or other methods to reduce the bill other than more fequent billingsthat I then have to pay more for (both for them to bill and me to pay). None of themarginal excuses for the rate increase apply to my situation and I am sure I am in themajority.
Thank you for listening!
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.htmlIP address is 69.71.186.251
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,I 1./"1
Jean Jewell
/,fc
\ (1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jill~ptidaho.org
Friday, November 09, 2007 7:54 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Jill A. Cooper follows:
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Case Number:
Name: Jill A. Cooper
Address: 4220 Bodenheimer Street
Ci ty: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83703
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: j ill~ptidaho. org
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I hope you rej ect United Water s request to convert to monthly billing. The same day as I
received a letter promoting monthly visits to its customers the Statesman had an article
about increasing gas and diesel prices. Does it make any sense to double the amount United
Water spends on fuel, vehicles, vehicle maintenance and number of meter readers? In
addition, United Water will increase the amount of pollution it causes in our valley by
100 percent. Hasn t this company heard of 'Green?'The benefits listed for moving to monthly billing are comical.1. Easier budgeting. Why is it easier to pay a bill monthly than pay it bi-monthly, whichuses more paper and more postage? The cost of extra billing for United Water must be quite
large when you factor in paper, postage and the manpower to send out and then receive
payments.
2. More timely information on consumption. United Water is really reaching to list this as
the second most important reason to go to monthly billing.
3. More frequent visits to premises will detect leaks or meter problems quicker. I havehad at least three problems with contractors for United Water cutting into my water pipe
when working at something else. Each time I was the one that noticed it and called down to
the man in the hole that he had broken my pipe! ! Obviously there s an economical benefit for United Water in going to monthly billing. Whydont they come out and say what they want and why they want it instead of pretending they
are doing it for our sakes?
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.htmlIP address is 75.92.18.
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