PRHRGCON.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE CONNECTION FEES OF UNITED WATER IDAHO INC.  AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES INCLUDING RATE DESIGN.
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CASE NO. UWI-W-96-4
NOTICE OF PREHEARING
           CONFERENCE
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the instant docket in Case No. UWI-W-96-4 was initiated pursuant to Commission Order No. 26611 following a Stipulation/Motion signed by all parties to Case No. UWI-W-96-3.  The Commission’s Order No. 26611 includes in pertinent part the following language:
Re:  Motion to Bifurcate
On September 5, 1996, a Stipulation/Motion signed by all parties to Case No. UWI-W-96-3 was filed with the Commission requesting leave to bifurcate the issues presented in this case into two separate dockets.  As proposed, the instant docket, Case No. UWI-W-96-3 will consider revenue requirement issues only and scheduling will proceed as contemplated in the Commission’s July 19, 1996 Notice.  A new docket is proposed for the purpose of considering hookup fees and related issues including rate design.  United Water advises the Commission and parties by letter filed with the Stipulation that it has not prepared a cost of service study and does not envision a full rate design proceeding in the new docket.  The Company recognizes that parties may propose adjustments to the general rate structure to in some manner recognize the limitations on hookup fees resulting from the Boise Water decision of the Supreme Court.  Building Contractors Association v. IPUC and Boise Water Corp., 128 Idaho 534, 916 P.2d 1259 (1996).  The parties request additional time to prepare thorough testimony and exhibits in the new docket.  The parties request that the Commission convene a prehearing conference as soon as practicable to establish scheduling in the new docket.
Commission Findings
The parties represent that additional time is required to develop and present testimony and exhibits on hookup fees and related issues including rate design.  We acknowledge the clarification submitted by United Water and do not expect a cost of service study and full rate design proceeding.  We find the issue of hookup fees to be severable from the revenue requirement issues of Case No. UWI-W-96-3.  We direct the Commission Secretary to initiate a new docket, Case No. UWI-W-96-4, for the purpose of addressing hookup fees and other related issues including rate design and to issue a Notice of Prehearing Conference in such docket to establish further scheduling.  We find it reasonable to designate all parties to this case as parties in Case No. UWI-W-96-4 also.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a prehearing conference in Case No. UWI-W-96-4 for the purpose of reviewing case status, identifying issues and establishing further procedure is scheduled for 1:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1996 (OR AS SOON THAT AFTERNOON AS THE COMMISSION SCHEDULE PERMITS), IN THE HEARING ROOM OF THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, 472 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, BOISE, IDAHO, [phone].
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that discovery is available in Case No. UWI-W-96-4 pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.221-234.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be held pursuant to the Commission’s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and that the Commission may enter any final Order consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this case will be conducted pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all hearings and prehearing conferences in this matter will be held in facilities meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Persons needing the help of a sign language interpreter or other assistance of the kind that the Commission is obligated to provide under the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in or to understand the testimony and argument at a public hearing may ask the Commission to provide a sign language interpreter or other assistance at the hearing.  The request for assistance must be received at least five (5) working days before the hearing by contacting the Commission Secretary at:
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO  83720-0074
[phone]  (TELEPHONE)
[phone]  (TEXT TELEPHONE)
[phone]  (FAX)
DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of September 1996.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/N:UWI-W-96-4.sw
COMMENTS AND ANNOTATIONS
Text Box 1:
TEXT BOXES
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
September 17, 1996