20071204Comments.pdf

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2ûm DEC - 3 Af"l 8: 22
~ovember 29,2007
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. 0.83720
Boise, il 83720-0074
We have received information from United Water Idaho regarding their application to
change from meter reading and bíling from every two months to monthly readings and
bílings.
I am wrting for both my husband, Oscar O. ~elson, and myself regarding ths request
that would increase our rates approximately 3.75%. This doesn't include ext postage
of$2.46 for those of us that pay by mail.
Being retired and on very limited income ths extra increase would make a lot of
difference to us and perhaps others like us.
As to their proposed benefits, we can't see that the extra money is wort the effort of
having to wrte a check each month (12 instead of6) + more postage.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Sinçerely,~~I907¡~ê~jr~
Oscar O. Nelson and
Elizabeth F. Nelson
3644 E. Immigrant Pass Cour
Boise, il 83716-6906
Telephone: [phone]
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Jean Jewell
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Itccmusar~gmail.com
Tuesday, December 04, 2007 12:12 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Paul Schneider follows:
Case Numer: tAW:Ç-W-(Î-otf
Name: Paul Schneider
Address: 4976 N. Tumbleweed Pl.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ltccmusarØgmail.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water Idaho
Add to Mailing List: no-
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
United Water Idaho rate increase
United Water indicates that the rate increase is solely for the purpose of covering the
increased costs associated with billing the customer monthly vs. bimonthly. I do not see
where the customer should pay the cost of their operational change that does nothing more
than increase United Water's cash flow. Their stated reasons for wanting the change,
while valid, are very minimal at best. Id Water staff read my meter, they don't look for
leaks in my system.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.60.230.65
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Jean Jewell
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Subject:
marcwhitehead~msn.com
Monday, December 03,200712:59 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Marc Whitehead follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Marc Whitehead
Address: 5415 Paulson Circle
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: marcwhiteheadØmsn.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water Suez
Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I cannot conceive of a simple change of billing from bi-monthly to monthly resulting in a
cost and rate increase of $1,125,905! This is outrageous. It's just another in a long
string of United Water's rate increases over the years. There is NO WAY that anything
like an increase is needed to do a simple billing. Is United Water saying the company
will pay it's meter readers an additional $1.1 million in wages? If so, I can't oppose
it. But, if the rate increase is going into the corporate coffers and into the French
Suez's stockholder pockets, I am definitely opposed. With monthly billing, the company
will receive the customers' money on an accelerated schedule with the ability to invest
those funds. If anything, the company's rates should be CUT to compensate for the
increased income it will reap from eariy payment of customers' bills through monthlybilling.
I suggest you graph-out the average customer's cost over the last 10 years and send thatout as a billing insert.
On another topic, your PUC website is the WORST website I think I have seen in 10years! ! !! It doesn't look like it has been updated ever. Your lack of links and clear
navigation, explanation of cases under consideration, etc., borders on negligence
(seriously). If this website reflects the quality of the work that the PUC staff does,
then I suppose you are happy and satisfied. If not, then do something to change it!!!
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.37.163.185
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Jean Jewell
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Subject:
mingram~lso.idaho.gov
Monday, December 03, 2007 5:06 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Maureen Ingram follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Maureen Ingram
Address: 10350 Skycrest Drive
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: mingramØiso. idaho. gov
Name of Utility Compa~nited Water of IdahoAdd to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
The two-month billing cycle works very well, and has for years and years. It is not
difficult for the average residential customer to anticipate the bill amount in that 2-
month time frame. Usage is always higher in the summer and lower in the other months, ingeneral.
To bill monthly will be much more costly to the company, which of course will be passed on
to the customer. Not only does it appear UW is asking to bill monthly, which means the
customer charge will be billed each month thereby doubling UW's income from that source
and doubling the cost we now pay for that, which is beyond the cost of water usage, butthey are also asking to increase that fee.
Who really is contending the two-month billing cycle is not satisfactory? I do not think
it is the average residential customer who writes a check six times a year.
Why would those of us who pay six times a year want to now pay twelve times a year, double
what we pay for the customer fee, and pay even more for that same fee, without any
enhancement to the service or a reduction in rates?
Utility costs across the board continue to rise, as do the administrative fees charged.
This request by United Water is unnecessary and contrary to the interests of a majority of
its customers. Consolidation to save costs is what private enterprise tends to do; why is
a public utility not paying attention to that money-saving strategy and going in the
opposite direction? It makes no sense, and will cost everyone more. Who wins in this
scheme, on the backs of those of us who are paying the bills?
Thank you for allowing me to comment, and I hope you will consider the plight of us
taxpayers who now spend more of our limited disposable income for basics than we used to
even a few years ago. This trend to extract more and more for the same service is not
necessary and should not be supported by IPUC.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 164.165.113.142
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
gobulL 1 ~yahoo.com
Monday, December 03, 2007 4:06 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Gordon Bullock follows:
Case Numer: uwi-w-07-04
Name: Gordon Bullock
Address: 4452 N. Marcliffe way
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: gobull1Øyahoo.comName of Utility Compa~nited Water IdahoAdd to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I fail to see the advantage of paying more money for a service, 'to make it easier' for
one to pay. With bi monthly billing, people have twice as long to make room for the
payment in their budget which should make it easier to pay. especially when they know they
will Save Money. Wi th this comment, I do oppose the increase in the water fees by changing
to a monthly billing system. Thank you. Gordon Bullock.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 66.233.154.126
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Jean Jewell
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From:
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Subject:
gfleisch986~hotmail.com
Monday, December 03, 2007 1 :35 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Gerald Fleischman follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Gerald Fleischman
Address: 11535 W. Hazeldale Ct.
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: gfleisch986Øhotmail.com
Name of Utility compa~.n . United Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
It does not make sense to increase costs by going to monthly billing and then put it on
the 'fixed fee' portion of the bill. The fixed fee portion of a bill cannot be conserved
away. If the costs are reasonable, they should be added to the unit cost of water to
futher encourage conservation. As is it, while monthly billing may encourage conservation
by giving quicker feedback on water use, putting the extra cost in the fixed fee portion
of the bill discourages conservation. See if United Water will go for putting this cost in
the unit cost of water. Why should you approve something that gives cross-messages forconservation?
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 164.165.96.2
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Jean Jewell
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From:
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To:
Subject:
rLrogers~netzero.com
Sunday, December 02, 2007 6:55 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Richard Rogers follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Richard Rogers
Address: 1066 Saratoga
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: rjrogersønetzero.com
Name of Utility com~~~United Water Idaho, Inc.Add to Mailing List ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am against the proposed rate increase by United Water of Idaho to cover the costs of
going to monthly billing.
If they were wanting to make things easier for the customer they would have proposed a
flat pay plan similar to Id. Power. or they could allow a person to pay once or twice ayear.
Cost of gathering information for a bill is the responsability of the utility. There is
nothing to gain for the customer except a higher bill and additional postage of $$2.46 per
meter per year which is not discussed.
The city of Boise bills bimonthly and they have not increased their fees to cover the
additional cost of collecting money.
Has United Water provided the PUC with any reliable data showing unaccounted for water
loses 3- 10 % is normal so if there is not excessive losses why do the additionalmomnitoring? They offer a leak guard program to the customers so what percentage of the
customers are paying for this protection? Is there any data showing the number of sevice
lines being replaced annually.
Oid they show any information showing lost income on the bimonthly income that would be in
earning interest? A good manager would invest part of the collected bills in some sort of
an interest bearing account and make a little money.
I see that the City of Boise owns the fie hydrants as per this years budget plan hopefull
United Water is not using these fire hydrants as part of their assets if so they need to
be removed from their asset base.
Richard Rogers
1066 Saratoga Or.
Boise, Id. 83706
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 63.24.52.232
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Jean Jewell
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Subject:
Iittlelarryb17 ~cableone. net
Sunday, December 02, 2007 5:22 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Douglas P. Dodson follows:
Case Number: tAw'L-W-Or¡-o'-
Name: Douglas P. Dodson
Address: 1403 S. Island Glenn Way
City: Eagle
State: Idaho
Zip: 83616
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: littlelarryb17Øcableone.net
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
On 9/17/07, United Water Idaho filed an application to convert to monthly meter reading
and billing. Currently, the company is on a two month meter reading and billing cycle. I
am opposed to monthly reading and billing. United Water is increasing its costs without
providing corresponding benefits. I want the PUC to reject this application. I want to
maintain the current two-month cycle we currently have. Thank you.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.60.162.188
1
Jean Jewell
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From:
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To:
Subject:
hhagens~promission. net
Saturday, December 01, 2007 10: 13 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Hoyt Hagens follows:
Case Number: tltJIW1J7-ot¡
Name: Hoyt Hagens
Address: 4687 N. Syracuse Place
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: hhagensØpromission.netName of Utility Comp~ United Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I have read through the proposed billing change.
The supposed benefits do not outweigh the additional cost of implementing such a change.
The result of United Water's request will:
1. Increase administrative overhead
2. Increase field staff
3. Increase wear and tear on vehicles
4. Increase vehicle requirements
5. Increase fuel consumption
6. Increase emissions
If the proposed request presented a strategy to integrate meter reading technology that
decreases points 1-6 above, then the request would deserve some consideration. In this
age of presenting 'environmental friendly' solutions, I can't believe a wiser solution is
not under consideration.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.119.165.225
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
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Subject:
zzdna~hotmail.com
Saturday, December 01, 2007 7: 1 0 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Carla Finis follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Carla Finis
Address: 10350 W Petearana St
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: zzdnaØhotmail.com
Name of Utility compa~ United Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Idaho
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
The 'benefits' to monthly billing laid out by United Water in their consumer information
letter are ludicrous.
1) A recurring expense is a recurring expense and is no more difficult to address on a bi-
monthly basis than a monthly basis - in fact it is less tedious on a bi-monthly basis.
2) Enhanced water conservation occurs because of a conscious decision on the consumers'
part and changing to monthly billing will have little practical effect.
3) More frequent visits, in theory, could result in quicker problem detection and
troubleshooting but, in practice, I have serious doubts. I would submit that irrespective
of billing cycle, the consumer is more likely to detect the problems before United Watermeter-reading personnel.
Whatever the reason for United Water's decision to switch to monthly billing it most
certainly has more to do with stabilization of accounts receivable on their part rather
than any effort to enhance customer service. There has been no demand on the part of the
consumer for more frequent billing. This does not reflect an increase in service to the
consumer and, therefore, the cost of this transition (change in their business practice)
should not be borne by the consumer.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 69.92.157.48
1
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rtaylor~ieee.org
Saturday, December 01, 2007 7:07 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Richard Taylor follows:
- - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Case Number: UWI~W-07-04
Name: Richard Taylor
Address: 1752 N Chaucer Way
City: Eagle
State: ID
Zip: 83616
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: rtaylorØieee. org
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: .~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am strongly opposed to monthly billing by United Water. It would be an unnecessary
administrati ve cost increase with dubious benefits. This is exactly the kind of waste and
irrational monopolistic behavior that the IPUC is intended to protect us from.
Although the cost increase is small, the flippant attitude of waste is offensive. They
should instead be looking at ways to improve their administrative efficiency.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 72.24.238.232
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
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Subject:
john~ramshaw.org
Saturday, December 01, 2007 5: 11 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from John Ramshaw follows:
Case Numer:
Name: John Ramshaw
Address: 8853 Westbrook Drive
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: johnØramshaw.org
Name of Utility Company: United Water IdahoAdd to Mailing List: .iio
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I urge IPUC to rej ect United Water Idaho's request to convert to monthly meter reading
and billing. The current bimonthly system works fine. The proposed change to a monthly
system would simply increase costs to customers but provide no significant benefits inreturn.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.209.46.217
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Jean Jewell
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From:
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To:
Subject:
cinbil~cableone. net
Saturday, December 01, 2007 2: 19 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Cindy Thompson follows:
Case Number: UWI-W~07-04
Name: Cindy Thompson
Address: 1077 W. Colchester Dr.
City: Eagle
State: ID
Zip: 83616
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: cinbiiØcableone.net
Name of Utility Company: United WaterAdd to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
As a United Water customer I would like to respond to the letter we received from United
Water on the proposed increase in our bills with a change from bi-monthly to monthly
billing. Per the benefits listed on the letter:
1. Easier budgeting and easier to pay than bi-monthly bill - First, it takes less of
our time and is )'easier" to pay six payments a year to United Water than twelve. And how
does a 3.75% increase in our bill (due strictly to this monthly billing change) contribute
to making it financially "easier" to pay our bill? I realize there are some with higher
bills in the summer due to yard watering but the season for these higher bills is well
known and can be planned for accordingly.
2. Enhanced water conservation and lower bills_.. - The bills have been very clear
about when the summer rates start and when they stop. I don't think we need monthly bills
to make this clearer.
3. More frequent visits for troubleshooting - Is this really an issue? Are there that
many problems that we need to pay another 3.75% for water? I don't know the answer to this
but would ask the PUC to find the answers to these questions and determine whether it
would really save customers/United Water enough to justify this increase in rates.
This increase is to be added to the fixed charge portion of our bill. So for those
customers that try to improve their water conservation practices, this increase would not
benefit them at all.
I think United Water has a responsibility to be as cost efficient as possible and pass the
results of that efficiency onto their customers. Obviously, bi-monthly billing makes them
more efficient. Why do we want to go to a less efficient process, passing all the costs
to customers, if the only benefits to the customers are those listed in the letter? I
don't think it is worth a 3.75% increase in our water bill
Cindy Thompson
1077 W. Colchester Drive
Eagle, ID
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.60.59.25
1
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bandpj~netzero.com
Friday, November 30,200712:22 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Pat Laing follows:
Case Number:
Name: Pat Laing
Address: 1610 no 23rd st
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83702
Home Telephone:
Contact E-Mail: bandpjØnetzero.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
United Water has filed an application to change to monthly billing,
which for some might be an advantage.
However they also wish to have a rate increase to offset the cost of this billing which is
not a benefit to anyone except united water.
I should hope that the commision would not allow United Water an increase in the basic
rate to increase the cash flow of this company.
thanks for your time
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 64.136.49.226
1
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~ t~JJean Jewell
From:
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To:
Subject:
dave_robyn82~yahoo.com
Friday, November 30, 2007 10:45 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from David Chamberlain follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: David Chamberlain
Address: 2636 W Sugar Crest Dr
City: Eagle
State: Idaho
Zip: 83616
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: dave_robyn82Øyahoo.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Absolutely NO to the monthly billing and rate increase. The stated 'benefits' are not
real and of no value to me. 1) I can budget fine over 2 months. Don't assume we're
stupid and not capable. 2) I won't conserve more because I got 6 extra bills in a year,
including the summer. 3) I don't want more visits or more expense. I'LL take my chances
of a meter problem. This must be a revenue growth scheme disguised as a customer
benefit, or someone wanting to hire their family and friends. If there are a few
customers out there who need or want the monthly billing for visibility to irrigation
levels, monthly charges, meter problems, etc. then let them 'OPT IN' and pay for the
additional visits and overhead. Don't burden all of us, by assuming we will receive or
will want the 'benefits.' This one seems easy to say NO to, or to let them add resources
and charge for services given to those who 'OPT IN.' Please say NO.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.60.43.70
1
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
joyerb~juno.com
Friday, November 30, 2007 9:56 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Roger & Joy C. Erb follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Roger & Joy C. Erb
Address: 6572 W. Wintergard St.
City: Boise,
State: Idaho
Zip: 83714
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: joyerbØjuno.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: .2
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We do not want to pay for this company to change their billing cycle in order to make it
'easier' for someone else or the company.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 67.41.253.234
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