20150521Application.pdf

(208) 343-7s00
(208) 33G6912 (Fa:<)
McDevitt & Miller LLP
Lawyem
420 West Bannock Stteet
P.O. Box 2564-83701
Boiser ldaho 83702
May 27,2075
Chas. F. McDevitt
DeanJ. floe) Millet
Celeste trL Miller
Yia lfand Delivery
JeanJewell, Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472W. Washington St.
Boise,Idaho 83720
Re: Case No LIWI-W-15-01/Geneal Rate Case Filiog
Dear Ms.Jewell:
Enclosed fot filing ^re an original and seven (7) copies of United Water Idaho Inc.'s (United \U7rt"4
Application for authodty to incease its rates and charges for water serv-ice to its customers in the
State of Idaho.
The tadff schedules that United Watet proposes to become effective onJune 22,2075, ate attached
to the Application. In addition, copies of United rilTatet's ptess release and customer nodce are also
attached to the Application.
Also enclosed are the otigind and nine (9) copies of the Testimony and exhibits of Gtegory P.
Wy"tg Matshall Thompson,J*rnil^ Cary, Kevin Doherty, Paul Herberg Pauline Ahrcn and Roger
Greaves. One copy of each of these Testimonies has been designated as the "Reporter's Copy." In
addition, a disk g6rit rining MS Iford vetsions of the Testimonies is enclosed fot the Reportet.
Also enclosed ate thee (3) copies of work papets showing adiustrnents to the Company's revenue
requirements afld adjustments to test period data. These ate also provided in electronic format on
an enclosed disk.
If you have any questions, please do not hesiate to contact me.
Kindly retum a stamped copy.
Very Truly Youts,
McDevitt & Miller LLP
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DeanJ. Miller
ORICINAL
Dean J. Miller (lSB No. 1968)
McDEVITT & MILLER LLP
420 West Bannock Street
P.O. Box 2564-83701
Boise, lD 83702
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
ioe@mcdevitt-m i I ler. com
Attomeys for Applicant
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BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION I Case No. UW-W-15-01
OF UNITED WATER IDAHO INC, FOR
AUTHORIry TO INCREASE ITS RATES I APPLICATION
AND CHARGES FOR WATER SERVICE
IN THE STATE OF IDAHO
COMES NOW United Water Idaho lnc., ("United Water", or "Applicant") and
hereby makes application to the ldaho Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") for
an Order approving revisions to Applicant's schedules of rates and charges for water
service in the State of ldaho to become effective with service provided on or after June
22,2015 and in support thereof respectfully shows as follows:
t.
Applicant is a public utility water corporation within the meaning of the ldaho
Public Utality Law, is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of ldaho
and is engaged in conducting a generalwater business in and about Boise City, Ada
County, ldaho, having its principa! office and place of business at 8248 West Victory
Road, Boise, ldaho. A certified copy of Applicant's Articles of lncorporation, together
with all amendments to date, is on file with the Commission. Applicant's current
Certificate is Amended Certificate No. 143.
APPLICATION.{
United Water has been providing water service to the public in Boise City and
surrounding areas for more than 100 years. Currently, United Water provides service to
approximately 90,000 customers within Ada County, ldaho.
The operations of United Water have been reviewed in several rate proceedings
before the Commission, most recently in Case No. UWI-W-11-02.
tv.
Attached hereto as Attachment 'l are copies of Applicant's Schedule Number 1,
Genera! Metered Service; Schedule Number 1B, Flat Rate Service; Schedule Number
2, Public Hydrants and Street Sprinkling; Schedule Number 3, Private Fire Sprinkling
and Service; and Schedule Number 4, Private Fire Hydrant Service, containing the rates
under which water service is currently rendered and charged to Applicant's customers.
V.
Attached hereto as Attachment 2 are copies of Applicant's new proposed
Schedule Numbers 1, 18, 2,3 and 4 setting forth charges to be made to Applicant's
customers rates on and after June 22,2015.
vt.
Applicant proposes to increase rates by $S,881,308 an overall average increase
of 13.2o/o.
Applicant alleges that the proposed changes in rates and charges set forth on
Attachment2 arejust and reasonable and that the rate of return expected to be
APPLICATION.2
provided to the Applicant there under will be 8.45o/o, which is a fair rate of return on
Applicant's investment in property used and useful in rendering water service.
vil.
The revenue realized by Applicant under its presently authorized rates produces
a rate of return of 6.430/o based on a test year ending December 31, 2014. Applicant
seeks additional revenues to recover increased operating expenses and costs
associated with plant additions, and to produce afair rate of return, thereby enabling it
to continue to provide adequate and reliable service to its customers.
vilt.
As discussed in the testimony of MarshallThompson, Applicant is proposing
miscellaneous revisions to its Rules and Regulations Governing the Rendering of Water
Service. Those revisions are shown in Exhibit No. 2 accompanying the testimony of Mr.
Thompson.
tx.
Applicant is filing concurrently herewith Direct Testimony of Gregory P. Wyatt,
Marshall Thompson, Jarmila Cary, Kevin Doherty, Paul Herbert, Roger Greaves, and
Pauline Ahern and Exhibits 1-11 including financial statements, and revenue analysis,
along with supporting workpapers, to justify and support the proposed increase.
x.
Applicant proposes to implement the requested increase in revenue by a uniform
percentage increase to all rate elements. Pursuant to the Stipulation and Order No.
32433 in Case No. UWI-W-11-02, Applicant is not requesting further adjustment to the
APPLICATION.3
Per Meter Charge, and accordingly, Applicant is not filing a Cost of Service Study as
otherwise required by RP 121.01(e).
xt.
Notice to Applicant's customers is being accomplished by news media releases
simultaneously with the filing of this Application and by an individual notice provided to
each of Applicant's customers with their bill. Copies of the press release and customer
notice are attached to this Application as Attachment 3. ln addition, a copy of the
Application and Applicant's present and proposed rate schedules are available for
public inspection at its office a|8248 West Victory Road, Boise, ldaho at any time during
office hours. The Application will also be available on the Commission's homepage at
www.puc.idaho.oov. Customers may also subscribe to the Commission's RSS feed to
receive periodic updates.
xil.
Applicant stands ready for an immediate hearing on this Application and requests
that a hearing be held as soon as possible.
xilt.
Communications in reference to this Application should be addressed to:
Dean J. Miller, Esq.
McDEVITT & MILLER LLP
420 E. Bannock
Boise, ldaho 83702
P.O. Box 25il
Boise, ldaho 83701
208-343-7500
208-336-6912 (fax)
ioe@mcdevitt-m il ler. com
heather@mcdevitt-m iller. com
APPLICATION4
Kevin H. Doherty
Director of Rates
United Water Management and Services
Company
200 Old Hook Road
Harrington Park, New Jersey 07640-1799
Kevin. Dohertv@ u n itedwater. com
WHEREFORE, Applicant respectfully requests of the Commission:
That this Application be heard and acted upon at the earliest possible date,
That the Commission find that the Applicant's existing rates are unjust,
unreasonable and insufficient to provide Applicant with a fair rate of return
and that the revised rates and charges proposed in Attachment 2 of this
Application are just and reasonable and that Applicant be permitted to charge
said rates to its customers, effective June 22,2015,
That the Commission grant such other and further relief as the Commission
may determine proper in the circumstances.
DATED this 21st day of May, 2015.
,1,
2.
3.
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Attomey for Applicant
APPL!CATION.5
ATTACHMENT 1
t-I
Sheet No. 3
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO !NC.
SCHEDULE NO. 1
GENERAL METERED SERVICE
Availabilitv: To all metered customers not served under a separate schedule.
Customer Charges:
Meter Size
518"-314
1"
1-114" and 1-112"
2" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
3" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
4" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
6" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
8" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
10" or multiple rneters of equivalent capacity
Volume Charqe:
For allwater used less than 3CCF (100 cubic
Feet) (CCFX1 CCF=748 gallons):
For allwater used greater than 3CCF
Volume Charqe:
For all water used less than 3CCF (100 cubic
Feet) (CCFX1 CCF=748 gallons):
For all water used greater than 3CCF
Bi-Monthly
Per Meter
Charqe
$20.80
$26.60
$45.50
$70.60
$137.70
$256.90
$428.e0
$561.10
$807.40
Winter
Rates
$1.4647
$1.4647
Summer
Rates
$1.4647
$1.8310
Conditions of Contract:
The customer shall pay the total of the customer charge plus the volume charge. The
volume charge is based on all metered water for the billing period. Consumption is
expressed in hundred cubic foot units or thousand gallon units as determined by the
meter installed by the Company. The customer charge wil! be prorated whenever the
customer has not been a customer for the entire billing period.
Summer Period:
The summer rate will apply to water consumed between May 1 and September 30. Meter
readings straddling these dates will be prorated.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - February 1,2013
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 1
Darra 'l nf 6
Sheet No. 5
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. 1B
FLAT RATE SERVICE
Availability:
To non-metered residential customers pursuant to Residential or Multi-Family
Housing Non-Contiguous Water Systems Agreement Paragraph 11(a) addressing
flat rate systems.
Customer Charoes:
Based on United Water ldaho residential consumption for the year ending June
1998 of 208.75 ccf, the average residential bill, assuming aTa" meter and 65% /
35% summer/winter split, is $479.34. Billed bi-monthly, equals $79.89.
Bi-Monthlv Charoe: $79.89
Conditions of Contract:
The monthly charge will be prorated whenever the customer has not been a
customer for the entire billing period. The Company or the customer may convert
to metered service pursuant to Subparagraphs (b) or (c) of Paragraph 11 as
follows:
(b) lf Company should determine that a flat rate customer is using water in
excess of the average residential customer, the Company will provide a
meter setting and meter. Customer will then pay Company's metered tariff
rates as approved by the IPUC, which rates may be amended from time to
time.
(c ) lf a customer prefers to pay Company's approved metered tariff rates, the customer shall
pay the installation and material costs associated with the installation of a meter setting.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - February 1,2013
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 1
Paaa ) af \
Sheet No. 6
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.2
PUBLIC HYDRANTS AND STREET SPRINKLING
Availabilitv:
To the Ada County Highway District.
Rates:
Street Sprinklino Service
Flat Charge $277.90/Month
Miscellaneous:
Bi!!s will be rendered monthly, bi-monthly, or at other intervals upon mutual
agreement of the Company and the customer.
Hydrants and service pipes from the fitting on the Company main to the hydrants
are to be installed and maintained by and at the expense of the City of Boise.
United
lssued Per !PUC Order No.
Effective - February 1,2013
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 5
Sheet No. 7
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO.3
PRIVATE FIRE SPRINKLER AND SERVICE
Availability:
To all customers who have sprinkler systems and/or inside hose connections for
fire fighting purposes.
Rate:
For service through a separate line for fire fighting purposes.
For 3" service or smaller, per month
Fot 4" service per month
For 6" service per month
For 8" service per month
For 10" service per month
For 12" service per month
$18.34
$27.80
$6e.05
$113.46
$176.94
$265.03
Miscellaneous:
Provided that if the installation of a private fire service shall require an extension of
the existing mains of the company, the cost of such extension shall be borne by the
customer.
All private fire services shall be equipped with sealed gate valves or thermal
automatic openings.
Meters may be placed on fire services by the utility at any time; however, metered
rates will not apply unless improper use of water is disclosed, and if such be the
case, usage will be billed to the consumer under Rate Schedule No. 1.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - February 1,2013
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 5
Sheet No. 8
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. 4
PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE
Availabilitv:
To all customers having private fire hydrant installations.
Rate:
For fire hydrants installed and maintained by the customer at customer's expense:
Each fire hydrant, per month $11.12lMonth
Miscellaneous:
Service pipe from the fitting on the company water main to the fire hydrant is to be
installed and maintained by the customer.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - February 1,2013
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 1
Page 5 of 5
ATTACHMENT 2
Sheet No. 3
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. 1
GENERAL METERED SERVICE
Availability: To all metered customers not served under a separate schedule.
Customer Charges:
Meter Size
518"-314
1"
1-114" and 1-112"
2" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
3" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
4" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
6" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
8" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
10" or multiple meters of equivalent capacity
Volume Charqe:
For all water used less than 3CCF (100 cubic
Feet) (CCFX1 CCF=748 gallons):
For all water used greater than 3CCF
Volume Charoe:
For allwater used less than 3CCF (100 cubic
Feet) (CCFX1 CCF=748 gallons):
For all water used greater than 3CCF
Bi-Monthly
Per Meter
Charqe
$2e€s
$26.60
$4€Se
$70€o
${€7Je$25ffi
$428Se$sffi
$80440
Winter
Rates
$14847
$145+7
Summer
Rates
$1484+
$#+o
$23.55
$30.10
$51.50
$79.90
$155.80
$290.70
$485.40
$635.00
$913.70
$1.6576
$1.6s76
$1.6576
$2.0720
Corlditions of Contract:
The customer shall pay the total of the customer charge plus the volume charge. The
volume charge is based on all metered water for the billing period. Consumption is
expressed in hundred cubic foot units or thousand gallon units as determined by the
meter installed by the Company. The customer charge will be prorated whenever the
customer has not been a customer for the entire billing period.
Summer Period:
The summer rate will apply to water consumed between May 1 and September 30. Meter
readings straddling these dates will be prorated.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - June 20,2015
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Sheet No. 5
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. 1 B
FLAT RATE SERVICE
Availabilitv:
To non-metered residentia! customers pursuant to Residential or Multi-Family
Housing Non-Contiguous Water Systems Agreement Paragraph 1 1(a) addressing
flat rate systems.
Customer Charqes:
Based on United Water ldaho residential consumption for the year ending June
1998 of 208.75 ccf, the average residential bill, assuming a Yq" meter and 65% I
35% summer/winter split, is $/J834$542.46. Billed bi-monthly, equals $79€g
$90.41.
Bi-Monthlv Charqe:$79€s $90.41
Conditions of Contract:
The monthly charge will be prorated whenever the customer has not been a
customer for the entire billing period. The Company or the customer may convert
to metered service pursuant to Subparagraphs (b) or (c) of Paragraph 11 as
follows:
(b) lf Company should determine that a flat rate customer is using water in
excess of the average residential customer, the Company will provide a
meter setting and meter. Customer will then pay Company's metered tariff
rates as approved by the IPUC, which rates may be amended from time to
time.
(c ) lf a customer prefers to pay Company's approved metered tariff rates, the customer shall
pay the installation and material costs associated with the installation of a meter setting.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - June 20,2015
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 2
Page 2 of 5
Sheet No. 6
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. 2
PUBLIC HYDRANTS AND STREET SPRINKLING
Availability:
To the Ada County Highway District.
Rates:
Street Sprinklino Service
Flat Charge $277$01lil€n+h $314.49/Month
Miscellaneous:
Bills will be rendered monthly, bi-monthly, or at other intervals upon mutual
agreement of the Company and the customer.
Hydrants and service pipes from the fitting on the Company main to the hydrants
are to be installed and maintained by and at the expense of the City of Boise.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - June 20,2015
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 2
Page 3 of 5
Sheet No. 7
Replacing all Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO tNC.
SCHEDULE NO. 3
PRIVATE FIRE SPRINKLER AND SERVICE
Availabilitv:
To all customers who have sprinkler systems and/or inside hose connections for
fire fighting purposes.
For service through a separate line for fire fighting purposes.
For 3" service or smaller, per month
Fof 4" service per month
For 6" service per month
For 8" service per month
For 10" service per month
For 12" service per month
$4s $20.75$27€e $31.46$69=05 $78.14$1-13146 $128.40$1+634 $200.23$26m3 $299.92
Miscellaneous:
Provided that if the installation of a private fire service shall require an extension of
the existing mains of the company, the cost of such extension shall be borne by the
customer.
All private fire services shall be equipped with sealed gate valves or thermal
automatic openings.
Meters may be placed on fire services by the utility at any time; however, metered
rates will not apply unless improper use of water is disclosed, and if such be the
case, usage will be billed to the consumer under Rate Schedule No. 1.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - June 20,2015
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 2
Page 4 of 5
Sheet No. 8
Replacing a!! Previous Sheets
UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.
SCHEDULE NO. 4
PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE
Availabilitv:
To all customers having private fire hydrant installations.
Rate:
For fire hydrants installed and maintained by the customer at customer's expense:
Each fire hydrant, per month ${+l2lMonth $12.58/Month
Miscellaneous:
Service pipe from the fitting on the company water main to the fire hydrant is to be
installed and maintained by the customer.
United
lssued Per IPUC Order No.
Effective - June 20,2015
lssued by UNITED WATER IDAHO lNC.
Gregory P. Wyatt, Vice President
8248 West Victory Road, Boise, lD
Attachment 2
Page 5 of 5
ATTACHVIE}{T 3
UNITED WATER IDAHO
8248 West Victory Road
Boise, ID 83709
TEL [phone]
FAX [phone]
WWW. U N ITEDWATE R. COM /I DAHO
@UnitedWaterID
PRESS RELEASE
UNITED WATER IDAHO REQUESTS RATE INCREASE TO SUPPORT
SYSTEM INVESTMENTS
Request reflects over SAg miUlon in capital investments
BOISE, lD May 21-,2Ot.5 - United Water ldaho today asked the ldaho Public Utilities
Commission (IPUC) to approve a base rate increase of approximately SS.gg million to recover
costs associated with capital investments and increased operating expenses.
The requested amount would equate to about 5 4.22 per month or 14 cents per day for the
average residential customer. Under the proposed rates, the average residential customer
using 9,550 gallons a month would pay a penny for about 2.5 gallons of water. The proposed
L3.2% increase will be applied at the same rate for customers in all classes; residential,
commercial, public authority and private fire service customers.
This is the first rate increase requested by the company since 2011. lf the IPUC approves some
or part of the just-filed request, new rates would be expected to take effect in December of this
year, meaning that rates will have remained stable for nearly four years. Since the company's
last case, United Water has invested more than S39 million in replacement mains and services,
new treatment facilities and technologies to improve the reliability of the water system. Those
investments include:
5L7.2 million to replace aging water mains, services and meters to improve service,
quality and fire protection;
53.S mlllion in replacement treatment projects that improve water quality provided to
customers;
5900,000 for a replacement storage tank to sustain pressure and improve fire protection
in the Bogus Basin Road area;
5700,000 for a new main to improve customer pressure above Hill Road;
5500,000 in auxiliary power equipment at various sites throughout the water system to
ensure uninterrupted water supply during electrical power outages.
a
o
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UNITED WATER IDAHO REqUESTS RATE INCREASE TO SUPPORT SYSTEM INVESTMENTS
Page2
The rate request also reflects increases in operating costs since the last rate case, including
increases in energy costs, personnel, including benefits, and depreciation expenses resulting
from increased infrastructure investments.
"Our strategic water infrastructure investments were made to enhance service reliability and
improve resiliency," said Greg Wyatt, vice president and genera! manager of United Water
ldaho. "We are commited to ensuring that the investments we make in the water system are
prudent and allow us to better serve our customers."
Customer Assistance
The company's customer assistance program, "UW Cares," provides grants of up to 565 per
year for qualifying customers who meet screening standards. UW Cares is administered for
United Water ldaho by the El-Ada Community Action Agency, which handles applications and
eligibility determination. Payments are made in the form of credits on outstanding water bills.
Besides UW Cares, United Water ldaho offers customers a budget billing option which allows a
customer to pay 12 equal monthly payments, rather than the current six bi-monthly bills.
Meters will still be read bi-monthly, but payments will be made monthly, with any overages or
shortages adjusted at the end of the year. To register for budget billing, contact United Water
ldaho Customer Service at 362-7304.
The proposed increase in rates is subject to review, public comment, and a decision by the
IPUC, which may accept, modify or reject in whole or in part the proposed increase. This
process could take up to seven months to complete. A copy of the filing wil! be available for
public review at United Water's office located at 8248 West Victory Road in Boise, on the
company's website at www.unitedwater.com/idaho and the IPUC website at
www.puc.idaho.gov.
Customers also may subscribe to the IPUC's RSS feed to receive periodic updates via e-mail
about the case.
About United Water
United Water ldaho is the largest water provider in ldaho, providing water service to
approximately 227,0O0 residents of Boise, part of Eagle and unincorporated Ada County. lts
parent company, United Water, is one of the nation's leading environmental companies,
providing water and wastewater services to over 6.7 million people in the United States. ln
addition to owning and operating 15 water and wastewater utilities, United Water operates 84
municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems through innovative public-private
partnerships and contract agreements. Founded in 1869, United Water is a subsidiary of SUEZ
ENVIRONNEMENT.
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UNITED WATER IDAHO REQUESTS RATE INCREASE TO SUPPORT SYSTEM INVESTMENTS
Page 3
About SUEZ Environnement
We are at the dawn of the resource revolution. ln a world facing high demographic growth,
runaway urbanisation and the shortage of natura! resources, securing, optimising and renewing
resources is essential to our future. SUEZ Environnement (Paris: SEV, Brussels: SEVB) supplies
drinking water to 92 million people, delivers wastewater treatment servlces to 65 million,
collects waste produced by almost 50 million, recovers 14 million tons of waste each year and
produces 5,138 GWh of local and renewable energy. With 80,990 employees, SUEZ
Environnement, which is present on all five continents, is a key player in circular economy for in
the sustainable management of resources.
###
Press Contact
Mark Snider 208-362-7328
208-890-2936 (cell)
Re: Notice of Application to Increase Rates
Dear Customer:
On May 21,2015, United Water Idaho frled for rate relief with the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission (IPUC) requesting a$4.22 per month or 14 cents per day increase in rates for a
typical residential customer. The proposed increase, if approved by the IPUC, would raise the
average residential customer's annual bill approximately $50, from $383.99 to $434.61. United
Water was last granted a two-phase rate increase in January of 2012.
United Water Idaho has invested more than $39 million in its system since the utility's last rate
filing. Those investments have improved water quahty, reliability, and service for many United
Water Idaho customers. Projects include replacement of aging water mains, services and meters,
replacement treatment projects, a new storage tank to sustain pressure and improve fire
protection in the Bogus Basin Road area, a new main to improve water pressure above Hill Road,
and auxiliary power at numerous sites throughout our water system to ensure unintemrpted water
supply during electrical power outages.
The rate request also reflects increases in operating costs since the last rate case, including
increases in energy costs, personnel, including benefits, and depreciation expenses resulting from
increased infrastructure investnents.
In its application United Water is proposing a revenue increase of $5,881,308 which represents
an overall increase in rates of l3.2Yo. The proposed increase will be applied at the same rate for
customers in all classes; residential, commercial, public authority and private fire service
customers.
The proposed increase in rates is subject to review, public comment, and a decision by the IPUC,
which may accept, modifr or reject in whole or in part the proposed increase. A complete copy
of the proposal is available at the Company's office at8248 W. Victory Road, Boise, Idaho and
at the Commission's office at 472 W. Washington, Boise, Idaho. It is also available on-line at the
IPUC website: http://www.puc.idaho.gov, by following the links for "Water" and'oOpen Water
Cases," and at United Water Idaho's website: http://www.unitedwater.com/idaho.
Customers also may subscribe to the IPUC's RSS feed to receive periodic updates via e-mail
about the case.
You can also file a comment on the Application via the IPUC website
(http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/casecomment.aspx) or mail or far comments to:
Idalro Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-007 4
FAX [phone]
Sincerely,
/rf
Greg Wyatt
Vice President and General Manager