20240708News Release.pdf

Idaho Public Utilities Commission Brad Litile,Governor
P.O. Banc 83720. Boise, ID 83720-0074 Eric Anderson, President
Ain R.Mammo* Jr,Cbmmissloner
Edward Lodge,Commissioner
Case No. SWS-W-24-01
Order No. 36247
Contact:Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail: adam.rush(&puc.idaho.gov
NEWS RELEASE: Commission suspends rate case filed by northern Idaho water utility.
BOISE (July 8, 2024) -The Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued an order on July 2
requiring a northern Idaho water utility to provide proof it has hired an attorney within 30 days
or face possible dismissal of a general rate case the utility filed with the commission.
CDS Stoneridge Utilities, LLC was informed by the commission that its rate case has been
suspended for an additional 60 days beyond a suspension spelled out in a previous order from the
commission.A new effective date for any of the utility's rates and charges, if they were
approved, would not take effect until Nov. 30, 2024.
Staff with the commission and parties involved in the case expressed concern that the utility
could not adequately participate in the case because CDS Stoneridge did not have legal
representation, and was not providing discovery responses in a timely manner. The order issued
on July 2 requires the utility to file a notice of legal representation with the commission within
30 days of the July 2 date, and to provide discovery responses to parties in the case.
The case has not been dismissed, and the suspension gives the utility additional time to respond
to discovery requests that were either unanswered or inadequately answered. In addition to
suspending the case, comment deadlines set in a previous order have been vacated.
CDS Stoneridge serves customers in the Blanchard, Idaho, area. It is asking for commission
approval to increase rates by 261 percent for all classes of customers, a monthly user increase fee
for all current and future customers within the utility's service territory and a
disconnect/reconnect fee increase for customers who choose to have their water turned off and
turned back on at a later date.
Additional information on the order issued Tuesday and the utility's application is available at:
puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7277.