20250224Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name:Troy Heninger
Submission Time: Feb 23 2025 1:39PM
Email: tk [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2274 South Georgetown Way
Boise, ID 83709
Name of Utility Company:Veolia
Case ID: VEO-W-24-01
Comment: "I'm a Boise resident of over 50 years and a Veolia customer who's watched the Treasure
Valley boom with growth. While I appreciate infrastructure upgrades, I strongly oppose this proposed
23-cent-a-day rate hike—or any increase—that asks long-time residents like me to subsidize services for
new customers. Boise has grown tremendously, but that shouldn't mean I pay more for the same pipes
I've relied on for decades.
Years ago, when we transitioned from South County Water, my rates jumped so much they had to
stagger the increase over three years-15 or 20 years back—and I'm still using the same system outside
of the new pipes down 5 mile to increase capacity. I did not add any need for increased capacity. Now,
Veolia wants another$6.77 a month from me to fund $74 million in upgrades, much of which supports
new development. I shouldn't bear the cost of growth I didn't create. My water needs haven't changed;
the population's have.
I urge the PUC to reject this across-the-board hike or, at minimum, explore alternative rate structures.
Why not charge newer customers—who benefit most from expanded capacity—higher rates tied to their
connection dates or usage? Long-term residents like me, especially in older Boise neighborhoods,
deserve a tiered system that reflects our history here, not a one-size-fits-all increase. Veolia's profits
shouldn't come from penalizing those of us who've been here all along.
Please consider fairer options that don't disproportionately burden legacy customers. Growth should pay
for itself.
Sincerely,
Troy and Kerry Heninger"
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