20071212Comments.pdf

i,b ~ I?/,(~ 1-".It ¡l- 0/, ~ .
.r-..t:
2001 DEC Î 0 8: ?ì ()- Me 1 01i
'.... .... v)a!j _~_ ~¡j) fl ~ e~~tt J#fJWt Jt, i :: CU 41~f Jf.
i ~. ßi ~4 Jtj xh dU~! .ß~J ~dtmr1- Ae/ 4 ''s~Yk5'' I "1 ~
.~ J~ d:d.ß 'A /¡tU ~ n ßJ
i~'i
.JLnl 107
fLJJ
.
. I~ ~g.1Q.1()1 vtf, AJ,J.
UNITED WA~AHO INC.
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, 1083709
P.O. Box 190420, Boise, 1083719-0420
Tel: [phone] . Fax: [phone]
vrJ~'
o 0 .Q'United Water.. ""ezo
Hoi!L \1
Dear United Water Idaho Customer:zmn DEC I I AM 8: 0
_ .. ¡DAH() PUBLIC
On September 17, 2007 United Water Idaho filed an Application with the Idaho PublkHûJltiíHii GOMMISSI
Commission (IPUC) asking for authority to convert to monthly meter reading and billing for all
customers. Currently, water meters are read and bi lied every two months.
There are a several benefits of monthly billing, including:c:-lr-· Easier budgeting and easier to pay than a bi-monthly bill; ::;5 Q
· Enhanced water conservation and lower bills through the provision of m~~mJt
information on consumption, allowing customers time to make changes i8;~teaise rn
practices during the irrigation season, thus saving money; 0 "" ""c'O
· More frequent visits to your premises by United Water Idaho personnel, linlQuickèr
detection and troubleshooting of customer leaks or meter problems. Gfn 00(j 1I.o
In the Application United Water Idaho is proposing a revenue increase of . UÐnder
the proposed Application the increase will be applied to the fixed Customer Charge portion of
your bill which is not affected by how much water you use. The requested increase would raise
rates for all customers by about $1.15 a month (about 4 cents a day), bringing the average
annual residential customer bill from $368.61 to $382.44, or 3.75%.
The proposed increase is necessary to cover the increased costs of additional personnel, billing,
and collections attributable solely to the conversion to monthly meter reading and billing.
To learn more about the company's Application please visit the company's website at
http://www.unitedwateridaho.com .
You can also fi Ie a comment on the Application via the I PU
http://www.puc.state.id.us/scri pts/polyform.d II/i puc.
I l),fJ '1Or mail comments to: I;)' .
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Sincerely,
United Water Idaho
r. rh ( ;\. t: ',~ õ2 G-' \ ~~ \a ~ ~060 ipo i,00¡ ,
"'~L k "",\~.. f'''~'c:.i~~~Pk.~.)ç e~ ,q1J)v ~L:~4"i~e ~l.
.. ..
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, 1083709
P.O. Box 190420, Boise, 1083719-0420
Tel: [phone]' Fax: [phone]
Q 0 .0 United Water
..""em: C E
Dear United Water Idaho Customer:2001 OECI 0 Al"Î 8: 26
HLiJHO FUBue ___
On September 17, 2007 United Water Idaho filed an Application with the IdahoWGWiiít.:SIG~wiMISSIOl
Commission (IPUC) asking for authority to convert to monthly meter reading and billing for all
customers. Currently, water meters are read and billed every two months.
There are a several benefits of monthly billing, including:
· Easier budgeting and easier to pay than a bi-monthly bill;
· Enhanced water conservation and lower bills through the provision of more timely
information on consumption, allowing customers time to make changes in water use
practices during the irrigation season, thus saving money;
· More frequent visits to your premises by United Water Idaho personnel, enabling quicker
detection and troubleshooting of customer leaks or meter problems.
In the Application United Water Idaho is proposing a revenue increase of $1,125,905. Under
the proposed Application the increase will be applied to the fixed Customer Charge portion of
your bill which is not affected by how much water you use. The requested increase would raise
rates for all customers by about $1.15 a month (about 4 cents a day), bringing the average
annual residential customer bill from $368.61 to $382.44, or 3.75%.
The proposed increase is necessary to cover the increased costs of additional personnel, billing,
and collections attributable solely to the conversion to monthly meter reading and billing.
To learn more about the company's Application please visit the company's website at
http://www.unitedwateridaho.com .
The proposal to convert to monthly billing and the proposed increase in rates are subject to
review and approval by the IPUC. A complete copy of the proposal is available at the company's
office at 8248 W. Victory Road, Boise, ID and at the Commission's offce at 472 W. Washington,
Boise, 10. It is also available on-line at the ¡PUC website:
http://www.puc.state.id.us/FILEROOM/water/water.htm .
You can also file a comment on the Application via thelPUC website at:
http://www.puc.state.id.us/scri pts/polyform.d II/i puc.
Or mail comments to, 7- ¡i"" 1/, r~ h"f!' witt '" ~ ,:,,/A
."tt ,¡ L ' l '1,l _ ip/111f +0 tV. /V?ó'11-4.1t . E if) ¥f.... . _,.Idaho Public Utilities Commission (7, "" "v a 'dJ ..P.O. Box 83720 ì 11cv,¡ i:s~.. ': tiJ5-. r' .i ~I Irh~~*JoA" 'AI'Boise, I D 83720-0074 V " 7' "'.. r f IT yrv
Cc mil /Ii-It 7'1 i?;)i L ~ ¡ I1 4. () 17. . . . L. _, ¡ / . J f fG Tk C!v5~
P C(5.S r /, o€ i 11 ~ r -e", S l' a (J P ~ ~-I ILL ,~' f. J-" 1- t!¡/,S't.'rrl(j ,5' /1 P ~ j d- tl: o5f9ni iV C" 50 a
b~~ 0 i /1.elr n ri vi IHI lapÐ~c.7~
2 P ì LoJ., r f-lpr s.~
Sincerely,
United Water Idaho
06010012007
/r~~~¡f
Jean Jewell
vi:~.~ ¡-i
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rich 14sarajo~msn.com
Monday, December 10, 2007 1:40 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Richard Josephson follows:
Case Number:
Name: Richard Josephson
Address: 664 E. Riverchase Way
City: Eagle
State: ID
Zip: 83616
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: rich14sarajo§msn.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: ;0
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Regarding United Water's application to convert to monthly meter reading and
billing.... .their justification is a joke.....I can budget my money just fine; I can
conserve my water without their help; and I can monitor my pröperty every day. And to paythem to do something I do not need nor want. ~. . . . give me a break... ~.tell them to read my
meter and bill me semi-annually and charge me less for the readings and billings... . .then
we might listen. I encourage you to reject this pitiful application... .and ask them,
'What in the world are you thinking.' Thank you, Rich Josephson
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.167.169.63
1
¡ fr ;: ~II,¡ d1
Jean Jewell
/1, M-il1g~
.. IJi
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jmoore2794~aol.com
Monday, December 10,20075:51 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from jerry a., moore follows:
- _.- - -'_.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Case Number: proposed increase to change water billing to monthly, from bi-monthly
Name ~jérry a., mooreAddress: 2006 n. cribbens
City: boiseState: id
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: jmoore27940aol.com
Name of Utility Company: united water
Add to Mailing List: yes
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
united water's proposed increase to cover the cost of converting their bi-monthly billing
cycle to a monthly cycle is a very discretionary decision. their proposed change to
increase their cash flow should be born by them, not the user.
their diluted attemt to disguise this change as an improved service to the user, by making
it easier for the user to budget the water bill, and shortening the time of unknown
leakage problems is, leaky at best.
the company wants to improve their cash flow. the company should pay the costs. their
cash flow improvement will benefit them, and that benefit will not be returned to the
user. who owns this company, the french?
if they really want to make an improvement, perhaps they should call the intermountain gas
folks, and inquire as to the effectiveness of their conversion to significant improvement
in the gather of meter information for their billing.
come on, this isn't a charge rate payers are liable for. what if they didn't do anything,
and just left it the way it is. bi-monthly. would we get a bill because their cash flow
remained similar to what it has been? it's their decision, it should be their money.
sincerely,
jerry a. moore
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.167.143.87- --- - - -- - -- - - ----- - - - -- - - - -- - - -- - - --
1
¡ JJßI'i-õ'
Jean Jewell
/í~.
l
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
celestedschmidt~yahoo.com
Monday, December 10,20074:50 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howeii
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Celeste Schmidt follows:
Case Number:
Name: Celeste Schmidt
Address: 14000 W. Halifax
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: celestedschmidt§yahoo.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List:
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I am astounded to get a notice from United Water in the mail that says they have filed to
make things less efficient by reading my meter every month and making me pay 12 times a
year instead of 6, and for the privilege of increasing overhead~ they now need to chargethe people of Idaho over a million dollars more a year. What a load of nonsense. I
sincerely hope you do not support them in making their operations less efficient and
charging us more in the process.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 65.116.73.34
1
1?,V1
Jean Jewell
Itf 14/.tI ~.
.~ iit
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jakrieger(§cableone. net
Sunday, Oecember 09, 2007 3:09 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from James A Krieger follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: James A Krieger
Address: 2104 So. Goldking Way
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83709-2433
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: jakriegerêcableone.netName of Utili ty comp~ Idaho Power
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
LADIES/GENTLEMEN:
You have before you a request from United Water Idaho Inc. to raise rates. Please dény
the request. It is unreasonable that the utility would request a monthly billing and rate
cycle when the current bi-month cycle works well for customers and the company. The whole
reason for the requested increase is and I quote: "to covér the increased costs of
additional personnel, billing, and collections attributable solely to the conversion to
monthly meter reading and billing. " If the request for the increase is denied, no
material harm will occur to the customer nor the utility since the increase is only needed
if the request is approved.
Please say no to this request because it does nothing to provide the customer with better
service or products and does nothing for United Water Idaho Inc. other than make there
company larger. Thank you very much.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 24.117.117.62- - -- -,- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
"
i
¡/~~/~61pf.Jean Jewell
t/i fl.iI.v'1ó ~.
,. H
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
artrobin11(§msn.com
Sunday, December 09, 2007 2:55 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Arthur Robinson follows:
Case Number: UWI-W~07-04
Name: Arthur RobinsonAddress: 6703 W. Poplar St.
City: Boise
State: 10
Zip: 83704
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: artrobin11Ømsn.comName of Utility Compa~United WaterAdd to Mailing List: (2
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
As I understand it the case involves United water switching to Monthly billing ( easierfor them) mainly for their convenience (better monthly cash flow) and also to increase the
rate they charge to pay for something that mainly benefits their company. I see that they
have spun this as a proj ected benefit for the consumer. The only benefit I see from this
proposed increase is for the pocket book of this company. The consumer would pay more for
the service, have to write 6 more checks a year, pay more postage due to increased
frequency and have more chances to miss the billing date - allowing United Water a chance
to tack on a i late fee'. The Items I just mentioned are not stated in the rate increase
request but are very real costs to the consumer. I OPPOSE this rate increase and the
scheme to change to monthly billing.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 75.167.139.51
1
Jean Jewell
~ßiiii¡(i/0 Ai.~1:~'
~ 11,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Imluker~mindspring.com
Saturday, December 08, 2007 5:30 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Lynn Luker follows:
- ------- -------- - -- - - ---- - --- - ---- --
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Lynn Luker
Address: 514 EI Blanco Drive
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ImlukerØmindspring.com
Name of Utility Compa~ United WaterAdd to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Although I do not have United Water service at my home address above, I do own a
commercial building which is serviced by United Water. I am opposed to the change from
bimonthly to montly billing. It is an additional cost that rate payers to not need.
Bimonthly billing is adequate, and appropriate in a day when it seems like costs are going
up every time you turn around or open a bill. It is broken, so don't fix it. Why shouldrate payers have to pay more for nothing? Thank you. Lynn Luker
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 65.101.74.4- - ----- ------- - ------- - --- - - --- -----
1
Jean Jewell ~fll1/ól ,r1 fi,il,.,~ ~l' ~ (1
,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
joe~bgclubidaho.org
Saturday, December 08, 20074:47 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Joseph Schueler follows:
Case Number: Proposed revenue increase
Name: Joseph Schueler
Address: 4206 West Fairmont Street
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: joe&bgclubidaho. orgName of Utili ty comp~ni ted Water
Add to Mailing List: yes
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
Not knowing United Water's Annual budget, I find the three listed benefits to monthly
billing lacking. I do not see a substantial difference between bi-monthly and monthly
meter reading in regards to the listed benefits. I do see an increase in my monthly bill
and therefore would like the commission to weigh the merits of the listed benefits in real
monetary benefit to customer against the (albeit) meager monthly bill increase.
Thank you.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.209.17.17
1
~ß(~o1
Jean Jewell
rÆ A.i/Y'f4 A~~ H,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
wbrodegard(§gmail.com
Saturday, December 08, 2007 3:25 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from William C Brodegard follows:
-- - ------- --- - - - ---- - - - --- - - - - - - ----
Case Number:
Name: William C Brodegard
Address: 11674 W. Granger St.
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: wbrodegard0gmail.comName of Utili ty Compa~ni ted Water
Add to Mailing List:~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We recieved a letter in the United Water bill this month regarding conversion from
billing every two months to every month. First, the comment website address shown on the
letter did not connect to anything. I am sure there will be few comments because of the
difficul ty in linking, not because people do not have opinions about the issue.
It must be obvious to everyone that this is a thinly veiled attempt to raise rates and
provide opportunity to raise ratés in the future. There is no benefit to doubling the
cost of meter reading and billing except to gain the profit from the difference between
the added costs and what is charged. If the water company truly wished to make it easier
on consumers, then an estimated charge for the intervening month could be sent based on
usage history. This would save the labor cost of extra meter reading. There is still a
problem however, since the company would still incur the cost of mailng, which is an
expense that has no benefit.
I recommend that the IPUC deny the request. This will enable the water company to figure
out how to improve the bottom line by lowering costs rather than making work and charging
the consumer for it.
William Brodegard
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 72.24.35.67- - --------- ---- - ----- -- -- - - --- - --- --
1
/~'~/"¡d1.~
Jean Jewell
I/l ;I~'¡Yf.~
r H
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ceharmon1 (§msn.com
Friday, December 07,200710:37 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Clint Harmon follows:
--- -- - --- - ------------- ------ --- - ---
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Clint Harmon
Address: 12546 W. Edna Dr
City: Boise
State: 1D
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ceharmon1~msn.comName of Utili ty Compa~Uni ted WaterAdd to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I would like to go on record as opposing United Water's proposed change of meter reading
and billing from bi-monthly to monthly. This is a bad idea because it is inefficient and
United Water is laying the added expense on the back of the consumer. If they could
convert to monthly billing and meter reading without added expense I could support it but
this is another example of a utility company making decisions that are really only good
for them and not the consumer they service. The reasons United Water cites for the
proposed change do not reflect the desires of the consumer but they appear to be a lame
attempt to find any compelling reason for the change simply to grow their organization.
For United Water to increase their revenue by over 1 million dollars annually at the
expense of the consumer in order to implement a less efficient process, paying for higher
overhead makes no sense.
Also, the sewer and trash company just converted to bi-monthly from quarterly and cited
one of the reasons was to be consistent with the water company.
For these reasons, I ask the PUC to reject this request from United Water.
Sincerely,
Clint Harmon
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.36.24.240
1
1~.1l'1/01~(~
Jean Jewell
/ío A.V.A~r 11
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rstehle(gaol.com
Friday, December 07, 20074:55 AM
Tanya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Randy Stehle follows:
----- -- - - --------- ------ ----- --- - - --
Case Number: UWI-W-04-04
Name: Randy Stehle
Address: 60 N. Saratoga Court
City: Nampa
State: Idaho
Zip: 83687
Home Telephone: [phone]Contact E-Mail: rstehleêaol.comName of Utility Compa~~UnitedAdd to Mailing List: ~Water
Please describe your question Or comment briefly:
I believe that it is wholly unneccessary for United Water to convert to a monthly billing
schedule. The proposed cost of over $1 Million is ridiculous. What is the true
benefit??? There are only 74,500 customers affected. They expect to make a 9% profit on
this!! More like 50%!! I could see a small increase in their paper and postage costs,
but minimal personnel or collections increases. United Water is trying to make a windfall
profi t from helpless customers.
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 207.200.116.203- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
1
I~ ~f7I(fli ')
JeanJeWer
,/~~.co tli
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
patrross~msn.com
Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:54 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC CommenUlnquiry Form
A Comment from Patrick Ross follows:
--- - -- - ------- --------- - -------- - - --
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Patrick Ross
Address: 12013 W. Dallan Dr.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83713
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: patrrossømsn.com
Name of Utility Company: United Water Idaho Inc.
Add to Mailing List: ~
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
We've all been budgeting our water bills bimonthly for years, we are pretty used to it.
There may be some that would like it monthly. In 30 years of paying water bills I've
never looked at my last bill and decided I better use less water. Having personnel come
every month I don't think is going to increase the detection of any leaks. They hardly
pause long enough to read the meter! Personally I think the rate is minimal but perhaps
the people who would like the bills spread out monthly would also appreciate the lower
rate. Bottom line it seems like a whole lot of revenue for United Water with no added
value to me as a customer. Uni ted Water did state the proposed increase was necessary to
cover the increased costs due solely to conversion to monthly billing. What they are
asking us to do is pay them an extra 1.1 million dollars so they can bill us every month.
I don't seen any value in that. Thanks
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html
IP address is 71.37.165.192- ------------- - ------ - --- - - - --------
1
~ .1i/~. 1;Jl1/ 0"~
Jean Jewell
rI~~'~ Hi
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
IdahoHampton(§aol.com
Friday, December 07, 2007 1 :34 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Cheryl Peck follows:
- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Cheryl Peck
Address: 2027 Amer St
Cîty: Boîse
Staté: ID
Zîp: 83706
Home Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Maîl: IdahoHampton~aol. com
Name of Utîlîty Company: Unîted Water of Idaho
Add to Maîlîng Lîst: £g
Please descrîbe your questîon or comment brîefly:
I do not approve of the proposal to încrease my rates sîmply because you want to read my
meter more often! How absurd! Thîs proposal to convert to monthly bîllîng makes no
sense. You admît în the letter that the încreased costs are for nothîng more than addîng
personnel, bîllîng, and collectîons solely to convert to a monthly meter readîng. Leave
the bîll alone and for once gî ve me a chance to not be bîlked out of a few more bucks!
The form submîted on http://www.puc.îdaho.gov/forms/îpuc1/îpuc.html
IP address îs 164.165.163.216----- - - - ----- ------ --- ------- - --- - --
1
I~ frJp.f 0'1~
Jean Jewell
ý/(~
~ 1:J,.
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 3:42 PM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment/Inquiry Form
A Comment from Chris Daniel follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-07-04
Name: Chris Daniel
Address: 66 N Hastings Dr
City: Nampa
state: ID
Zip: 83687
Home Telephone:Contact E-Mail:
Name of Utility Company: United Water
Add to Mailing List: no..-
Please describe your question or comment briefly:
I. am appalled that a public utility (United Water) is attempting to make the argument
that by spending (proposed revenue increase) of over 1 million dollars is somehow goi~g to
make them more efficient.
The three points they claim are benefits to billing monthly are an extremely weak case for
increasing our rates. How in the world can they justify this excessive cost by switching
to a monthly billing process? If United Water changed their billing to quarteriy would we
see a saving of a million dollars? I would be happy to pay my utility bill quarterly if
it save the rate payers over a million dollars a year.
I would hope that the IPUC denies such a ridiculous request by United Water!
The form submited on http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipucl/ipuc.html
IP address is 72.24.238.60
1