20240322Comments_6.pdf

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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: William Arseneau
Submission Time: Mar 22 2024 12:50AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 95 Meadow Dr. #190
Blanchard, ID 83804

Name of U�lity Company: StoneRidge U�lil�es LLC

Case ID: SWS-W-24-01

Comment: "I would like to request a public mee�ng in Blanchard so we can get the correct informa�on
on the rate increase requested by this company. We need to hear from an official of the Idaho Public
U�li�es Commission regarding our rights and obliga�ons regarding this mater. Thank you for your �me"
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The following comments were submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Stephan Rezac
Submission Time: Mar 22 2024 9:26AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 28 Sans Souci Drive
Blanchard, ID 83804

Name of U�lity Company: CDS StoneRidge

Case ID: SWS-W-24-01

Comment: "In the proposed rate change no�ce to users, dated February 28, 2024, CDS StoneRidge
claims to have made "more than $900,000" in investments in the water u�lity. Yet, none of the key
components have changed. The wells (two, with a third collapsed and not func�oning), pumps, pipes,
chlorine injec�on systems, etc...the main components of the system...remain unchanged since the u�lity
was purchased by CDS StoneRidge. What was the $900,000+ used for? I suspect it was money added to
reserves/equity/capital that the owner must record as owner's equity, a finding already adjudicated by
IPUC. This $900,000+ should not be recouped from the u�lity users.

Also, CDS StoneRidge cites as reasons for a rate change the need to replace 3 pump motors, to install
backup generators, to purchase a pickup and a 4-wheeler (that he currently leases from another
company the u�lity owner owns, Esprit Enterprises), and to pay for connec�on costs to lots the u�lity
owner owns (why should users pay to connect his proper�es)? This is further proof that the owner has
not made investments into the u�lity infrastructure...at least, the $900,000+ was not used for these
items.

2

Also, the employees all appear to be part �me at best, reflected in their du�es and the u�lity office
hours (u�lity office hours are listed as 9 AM - 2 PM Monday -Thursday). So the overall overhead claimed
needs to be inves�gated and audited, too.

The u�lity, with various owners, has been around for decades, long enough for various assets to have
depreciated to zero. Yes, the assets have value, but via accepted accoun�ng principles, assets depreciate
eventually to a zero financial statement expense. All related assets of Esprit and CDS StoneRidge should
be reviewed and audited.

On its face, the requested price increase is laughable. The applica�on for a rate increase should not be
considered or approved un�l an accurate, honest, complete and evidence based applica�on is submited
to IPUC.

Thank you."
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Name: Stephan Rezac
Submission Time: Mar 22 2024 9:49AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 28 Sans Souci Drive
Blanchard, ID 83804

Name of U�lity Company: CDS StoneRidge

Case ID: SWS-W-24-01

Comment: "On March 20, 2024, CDS StoneRidge filed with IPUC a "Marked Up Tariff No. 5." Contained in
this filing were proposed rates that are different than what was sent to u�lity users in a no�ce dated
February 28, 2024.

Most notably, there is now a proposed TIERED PRICING change for a commodity charge not included in
the no�ce to users. This would affect most residences/users as it applies to 3/4" and 1" meters. The
commodity charge would now be $2.94 per 1,000 gallons for 0-9,999 gallons; $3.75 per 1,000 gallons for
10,000-19,999 gallons; and $5.25 per 1,000 gallons for 20,000+ gallons. This increases the rate increase
well beyond the already ridiculous 261% - 543% increase previously no�ced. The ini�al rate increase
request increased the commodity charge from $0.79 per 1,000 gallons to $2.94 per 1,000 gallons. Now,
we find even higher �ered pricing!

The u�lity owners are now appearing to be beyond greedy...there was no included reasoning or
jus�fica�on for the increase in the March 20 "Marked-Up Tariff No. 5."

"Marked-Up" is an understatement.

Please deny any rate request from CDS StoneRidge in its en�rety.

Thank you!"
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3

The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Karen Truss
Submission Time: Mar 22 2024 1:49PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 396 Mountain View Rd
Blanchard , ID 83804

Name of U�lity Company: Stoneridge U�li�es

Case ID: SWS-W-24-01

Comment: "I would like to request a Workshop in person regarding this case."
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From: Daryl Heinly <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 3:08 PM
To: secretary
Subject: SWS-W-24-01

Good afternoon. I am a resident owner located at 242 Par Loop, Blanchard, ID 83804. I would like to
put my request forward to ask the IPUC committee to hold a local meeting in Blanchard to discuss
the request filed by Stoneridge Utilities LLC regarding raising their water rates to its users. Thank
you for your consideration in this matter.
Daryl E Heinly
242 Par Loop, Blanchard, ID 83804
Daryl Heinly
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From: David Unruh <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 3:22 PM
To: secretary
Subject: Public Hearing case ID SWS-W-24-01
I am wri�ng to you regarding case ID SWS-W-24-01 and asking that you please consider holding a public
hearing on this mater in the Blanchard area. I would also ask that you consider doing a forensic audit on
the business prac�ces of the gentleman that owns the water company at issue.
Thank you so very much.
Dave Unruh
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