980921.docx

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSIONER NELSON
COMMISSIONER SMITH
MYRNA WALTERS
TONYA CLARK
DON HOWELL
STEPHANIE MILLER
RANDY LOBB
DAVE SCHUNKE
DAVID SCOTT
WORKING FILE
FROM:SCOTT WOODBURY
DATE:September 21, 1998
RE:CASE NO. UWI-W-98-4 (UNITED WATER IDAHO)
AMENDED RULES AND REGULATIONS - WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS.
On September 4, 1998, United Water Idaho Inc. (United Water; Company) filed an Application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (Commission) proposing an amendment to its rules and regulations governing water main extensions (ie Rules 67, 73, and 75).
The amendments to Rule 67 and 73 are intended to allow developers of subdivisions to provide materials necessary for the installation of water facilities.  Currently United Water provides all materials.
The amendment to Rule 75 is intended to allow, in some circumstances, refunds for developers who contribute the cost of “special facilities” in the nature of sources of supply, storage or pumping.  United Water’s current rules require developers to fully contribute on-site facilities, but the rules do not specifically address developer responsibility when a subdivision triggers the need for investment in new source of supply, storage or pumping.  This amendment clarifies that ambiguity.
United Water requests that the matter be processed pursuant to Modified Procedure, ie by written comment rather than by hearing.  Although an October 15, 1998 effective date was requested, the Company in conversation with Staff agrees that the standard period of comment (21 days) should be allowed.
Commission Decision:
Staff recommends that this matter be processed pursuant to Modified Procedure with standard comment period.  Does the Commission agree?  If not, what is the Commission’s preference?

Scott Woodbury
cm\M:uwiw984.sw