20241015Comments_5.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Mark Smith
Submission Time: Oct 14 2024 8:31AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 57 Lake Vista Dr
Fish Haven, ID 83287
Name of Utility Company:Aspen Creek Water Co.
Case ID: ASP-W-24-03
Comment: "The proposed 305.87% rate increase is deplorably excessive and I request that the
Commission rule against such increase. I do not contest the request to increase connection charges.
The Company noted in the customer notice letter that they have "...never increased rates since the
current tariff was put in place in 2002". 1 have been a customer since 2002 and have experienced two
rate increases. First one was 67%and the second was 40%,for a compounded increase of 133% (current
annual rate of$350- more than the stated $25/month)."
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Gary Laney
Submission Time: Oct 14 2024 12:58PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 97 Country Bear Cir
Fish Haven, ID 83287
Name of Utility Company:Aspen Creek Water Co.
Case ID: ASP-W-24-03
Comment: "We are home owners in Aspen Creek Meadows of Fish Haven, Idaho. We recently received a
letter from the water company notifying us that they intend to increase our monthly water bill from $25
per month to $134 per month, an increase of 436%. In my lifetime, I've never heard of such a ridiculous
increase. I've spoken with neighbors who feel the same and have encouraged them to voice their
complaints. We're originally from Utah but lived in California for many years during my career. Even in
California you would never see such a dramatic increase. It is usually a small of increase every couple of
years in the 3 to 5% range. Utah is the same.As homeowners of the subdivision,we want to
communicate our strong objection to this abusive increase. We hope that someone in the PUC will use
common sense to make judgment on this price increase.Thank you for your consideration. Gary"
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1

From:J Richards<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2024 9:45 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: Case ASP-W-24-03
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission
I am writing to you in regards to the recent proposal from the Aspen Creek Water Co. to increase their
rates by over 300% (by their estimates). Case ASP-W-24-03 according to the notice I received today, Oct
14, 2024. 1 do own a property affected by this proposal. As a small business owner, property owner,
resident, and tax payer of Idaho, I can in nowise consider this proposal reasonable. There is nothing
reasonable about a rate hike of over 300%that falls completely on the consumers in such a way. More
than $1200 per property according to the statement. I absolutely can understand a need for an increase
but not to a magnitude to exceed that of my own residence which is inside city limits of a major Idaho
city where water is even more of a premium. If an increase is needed to this level then all the water
should be regulated and metered so that those that use it, pay for it. Those of us that use very little
should not have to pay for those that consume the majority. Again it is unreasonable to propose
this. This is the type of action that will lead to wastefulness of water because the feeling will be "I am
paying for it so I better use it" instead of a conservative approach that would help to maintain water
levels and in turn reduce some of the so called costs the water company is asking to get paid more for. I
am certain that costs have gone up and that more money is needed, but this feels like an opportunity for
an independent utility to pad pockets of owners just as much as a cost coverage ploy.
I ask that you consider the application of Aspen Creek Water Co.very carefully and ask them to find a
reasonable alternative to just a complete 300% increase to everyone, no matter their consumption. Why
should those that choose to be conservative with usage and respectful of the regional water needs have
to pay the same as those that take no consideration or thought for the rest. Can anyone honestly say a
300%+ increase of any utility is fair and reasonable especially when there is literally no alternative source
for that necessary utility. It is a monopolized service for this community and if we always cower to their
desires they will just continue to ask for more and more knowing the consumers will just have to pay
it. There has to be a more thoughtful more intelligent resolve to this issue.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Concerned Property Owner
Jake Richards
208.244.2710
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From: Kami McKinnon
To: Mark Smith;secretary
Subject: Re: Proposed rate increase Case No.ASP-W-24-03
Date: Monday,October 14,2024 8:24:20 AM
This email originated outside the State of Idaho network. Verify links and attachments
BEFORE you click or open, even if you recognize and/or trust the sender. Contact your agency
service desk with any concerns.
The proposed rate increase will affect all home owners. As stated in the letter all comments
are to be submitted to the State of Idaho. Please follow the instructions on the letter so all
concerns and information are connected to this rate case No ASP-W-24-03
Thank you for your information.
Kami McKinnon
Office Manager
On Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM Mark Smith<mark3742&gmail.com>wrote:
Just checking to see if the proposed increase is applicable to my home at 57 Lake Vista Dr.
If yes, I have prepared the following statement to protest the excessive increase:
The proposed 305.87%rate increase is deplorably excessive and I request that the
Commission rule against such increase.
The Company noted in the customer notice letter that they have "...never increased rates
since the current tariff was put in place in 2002". I have been a customer since 2002 and
have experienced two rate increases. First one was 67% and the second was 40%, for a
compounded increase of 133% (current annual rate of$350 - more than the stated
$25/month).
Mark Smith