20111118Comment.pdf

Jean Jewell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ckaltenecker~cableone. net
Thursday, November 17, 2011 7:54 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Chris Kal tenecker follows:
Case Number: UWI-W-11-82
Name: Chris Kal tenecker
Address: 6622 Saxton Ave.
City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83714
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: ckal tenecker~cableone. net Name of Utility Company : United Water
Acknowledge: acknowledge
Please describe your comment briefly:
I understand utility companies are unique entities, but I also assume they operate their
businesses similarly to those in private enterprise. These businesses are very much aware of
the need to constantly improve their quality of service, quality of product and reliability
of equipment. These are part of the cost of doing business and are included in any plan to
survive. I don't buy the argument stating look what I'm doing for you, so now I have to
raise your rates.
With the constant reminding of the general public to reduce water consumption, it' s quite
ironic to suggest raising rates because this effort has been successful. Wasn't this
scenario anticipated? Besides, hasn't there been a significant increase in the number of
users over the pàst few years prior to the recession?
A request for a rate increase of 19% is excessive. Although I have not reviewed the numbers,
I would ask what United Water has done to reduce costs and tighten their belts along with
their users. Since they haven't made comments to that effect, I'm assuming not much. Since
they are guaranteed a positive rate of return, I expect them to be constantly looking for
ways to reduce cost and improve service, as opposed to asking for rate increases. Maybe they
need some legitimate competition. I expect the IPUC to act in the same manner as would
competition. Force them to run an efficient business with a high quality of service.
They have included the same request, denied previously by the IPUC, to ask us to pay for a
new system for billing. It's simply reworded as a "customer communication system". This
does not benefit customers, but it does benefit the business. The benefit to customers
should come in the form of reduced costs, not rate increases. It should have been
anticipated and reserves set aside for that purpose. Customers should not constantly be
asked to reward poor management.
I resent being asked to pay higher rates for water usage in the northwest where there is an
abundance of water.
The form submitted on http://www . puc. idaho .gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 24.116.75.139
- - - ---- - -- - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - --
i