980527.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
FROM:SCOTT WOODBURY
DATE:MAY 27, 1998
RE:CASE NO. UWI-W-97-6
DECISION TIME LINE
On November 3, 1997, United Water Idaho Inc. (United Water; Company) in Case No. UWI-W-97-6 filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for authority to increase its rates and charges for water service.  Supporting workpapers and documentation were filed by the Company on November 14, 1997.  As reflected in the Company’s Application the overall increase in annual revenue requested was $3,424,516, or an increase of 15.47% over current rates.  Also at issue in Case No. UWI-W-97-6 are the identified service and water quality issues raised in the filings and submitted investigative reports in Case No. UWI-W-96-6.  
Pursuant to Order No. 27229 issued November 20, 1997, the proposed schedule of rates and charges in Case No. UWI-W-97-6 was suspended for a period of thirty (30) days plus five (5) months from the adjusted effective date of December 14, 1997.  
The hearing in Case No. UWI-W-97-6 was held on April 22-24, 1996.  Post hearing briefs were filed by United Water and Ms. Ullman on May 8, 1998 and by Commission Staff on May 15, 1998.  The completed transcript consisting of 1,100 pages and related exhibits was filed with the Commission on May 15, 1998.  United Water filed a formal reply to Ms. Ullman’s brief on May 15, 1998, and a letter response to Staff’s brief on May 22, 1998.  The Company also filed  on May 18, 1998 a post hearing amended Exhibit No. 5 setting forth amended power cost calculations.  Requests for intervenor funding were filed by Idaho Citizens Coalition on May 22, 1998, and by Ms. Sharon Ullman on May       , 1998.  The Company reserves the right to respond to both petitions for intervenor funding and pursuant to Commission rules is allowed 14 days.  Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.164.
As reflected above, the calculated decision date in Case No. UWI-W-97-6 is June 14, 1998.  The Commission is apprised that the scheduled decision meeting dates for the month of June are June 1, 16, 23, and 29.  It is not anticipated that a decision memorandom will be submitted before June 5, 1998.  The Commission’s calendar reflects that NARUC Western Conference is scheduled the week of June 8.  The full Commission will not be back in Boise until June 16.  The issues raised in this case are deserving of considered and informed reflection.  It is suggested that the Commission pursuant to its authority under Idaho Code 61-622 determine that good cause exists to extend the suspension period for an additional sixty (60) days.
Commission Decision
Based on the foregoing, does the Commission find it reasonable to suspend the suspension period in Case No. UWI-W-97-6 for an additional sixty (60) days?  If not, what is the Commission’s preference?

Scott Woodbury
vld/M:UWI-W-97-6.sw5