APPLICTN.docx

(text box: 1)BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF UNITED WATER IDAHO INC. FOR APPROVAL OF COST OF SERVICE ALLOCATION AND RATE DESIGN.
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CASE NO. UWI-W-98-3
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF INTERVENTION
          DEADLINE
NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
On July 6, 1998, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) issued final Order  No. 27617 in United Water Idaho Inc. (United Water; Company) Case No. UWI-W-97-6, the revenue requirement phase of the Company’s general rate case.  In its Order, the Commission directed the Company to file a separate cost-of-service and rate design application within thirty (30) days from the date of the Order.  
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on August 13, 1998, in Case No. UWI-W-98-3 United Water filed an Application with the Commission requesting approval of the Company’s submitted cost of service allocation study and rate design proposal.  The proposed rate design includes the following features:
∙A customer charge recovering costs associated with billing, meters, service and fire protection;
∙A volumetric or commodity charge that is an inverted three block rate structure that would charge higher rates as volumes increase (departure from existing summer/winter rates).
In Order No. 27617 the Commission granted the Company leave to present information in its cost of service/rate design phase regarding a proposed adjustment related to Micron’s reuse/efficiency program.  Micron is the Company’s largest consumer of water.  The Company proposes to reduce the test year consumption figures for Micron based on projected use.  The effect would be to increase rates to remaining customers.  United Water presents a witness in this case regarding this adjustment.  The issue is whether the proposed change in consumption by Micron is sufficiently known and measurable to adjust test year data.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Commission may determine the spread or allocation or relative increase or decrease in any rate or charge to be other than that proposed by the Company.  In particular, the Commission may consolidate existing rate groups, create additional rate groups, consolidate multi-block rate structures, create multi-block rate structures, or otherwise change the relative or absolute relationships among customers of United Water.  The rates of all customers of United Water in the state of Idaho, including those governed by special contract, are at issue and subject to change in this proceeding.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Application in Case No. UWI-W-98-3 (including the Company’s direct testimony and exhibits) can be reviewed during regular business hours at the Commission’s office and at the general office of United Water Idaho Inc.  (8248 West Victory Road, Boise, Idaho).
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to intervene in Case No. UWI-W-98-3 for the purpose of becoming a party, i.e., to present evidence, to acquire the rights of cross-examination, to participate in settlement or negotiation conferences, and to make and argue motions must file a Petition to Intervene with the Commission pursuant to Rules 72 and 73 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.072-073. The deadline for filing a Petition to Intervene in Case No. UWI-W-98-3 is Friday, September 18, 1998.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons desiring to present their views without parties’ rights of participation and cross-examination are not required to intervene and may present their comments without prior notification to the Commission or to other parties.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that pursuant to agreement of the Company and the Commission, the following scheduling has been adopted:
November 20, 1998
Prefile deadline—direct testimony Staff/Intervenor
Pursuant to agreement, all prefile dates are “in-hand” dates.  The prepared testimony and exhibits must conform to the requirements of Rules 266 and 267 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure.  Reference IDAPA 31.01.01.266-267.
The parties are apprised that discovery is available pursuant to Commission Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.221-234.  The parties should coordinate discovery requests and responses so that they are able to comply with the established prefile deadlines.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all hearings 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)
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 matter will be conducted pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.  
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all communications with reference to this Application should be served upon the Commission and the following representatives of United Water.
COMMISSION SECRETARY
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
PO BOX 83720
BOISE, IDAHO  83720-0074
DEAN J. MILLER
McDEVITT AND MILLER, LLP
537 WEST BANNOCK, STE 215
PO BOX 2564-83701
BOISE, ID 83702
MARK A. GENNARI
UNITED WATER MANAGEMENT & SERVICES, INC.
200 OLD HOOK ROAD
HARRINGTON PARK, NJ 07640
DATED at Boise, Idaho this day of August 1998.

Myrna J. Walters
Commission Secretary
vld/N:UWI-W-98-3.sw
COMMENTS AND ANNOTATIONS
Text Box 1:
TEXT BOXES
Office of the Secretary
Service Date
August 27, 1998