20240529Notice_of_Investigation_Order_No_36196.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
May 29,2024
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION ) CASE NO. ASP-W-24-01
INTO ASPEN CREEK WATER COMPANY'S )
BILLING PRACTICES ) NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION
ORDER NO. 36196
During Staff s routine audit of Aspen Creek Water Company("Company") Staff observed
several instances of the Company charging for connections outside of the amount permitted by its
Commission-approved tariff. Currently the tariff permits the Company to charge $1,000 for new
connections. In Staffs review, several customers were charged $5,000 to connect. Staff also
observed the Company charging rates for water service outside those permitted by the tariff.
At the Commission's May 14, 2024, Decision Meeting, Staff recommended the
Commission order the Company to charge rates consistent with its approved tariff and open an
investigation into the Company's billing practices.
We now issue this Notice of Investigation directing Staff to investigate the Company's
billing practices and order the Company to charge only the rates it is authorized to charge by this
Commission.Idaho Code§ 61-313 requires public utilities to charge customers the approved rates.
Failure to do so may result in penalties being assessed pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 61-701 et seq.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Staff shall investigate the Company's billing practices.
By July 10, 2024, based on its investigation, Staff shall provide a recommendation to the
Commission for further action, if any.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Company is directed to respond to Staff inquiries
regarding compliance with Title 61 of the Idaho Code. The Company is directed to cooperate with
Staffs investigation of this matter. Staff is directed to issue production requests, written
interrogatories or other forms of discovery as well as pursue its statutory right to examine and audit
the records.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Company immediately cease all billing practices that
conflict with its Commission-approved tariff. The Company may only charge its customers at the
rates and fees approved by this Commission.
NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION
ORDER NO. 36196 1

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that parties comply with Order No. 35375, issued April 21,
2022. Generally, all pleadings should be filed with the Commission electronically and will be
deemed timely filed when received by the Commission Secretary.See Rule 14.02. Service between
parties should continue to be accomplished electronically when possible. However, voluminous
discovery-related documents may be filed and served on CD-ROM or a USB flash drive.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this 29"' day of
May 2024.
ERIC ANDERSON, PRESIDENT
I.,- gnt���
J R. HAMMOND, JR., COMMISSIONER
G
EDWARD LODGE, COT ISSIONER
ATTEST:
I jj
M o n i os- e
Commission Secretary
I:\Legal\WATER\ASP-W-24-01\Orders\ASPW2401_ntc invst_dh.docx
NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION
ORDER NO. 36196 2