20250409Comments_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Andy Zachary
Submission Time: Apr 9 2025 11:16PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 2508 W Diamond Bar
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Gem State Water is owned by Northwest Natural Holdings which is a publicly
traded company on the NYSE (NWN). Like most publicly traded companies, their goal is to
maximize the profits for the shareholders. Northwest Natural Holdings/Gem State Water
have a Monopoly position on our water service and in my opinion are gouging its
customers. Anti-Trust regulations are in place for this very situation and I implore Idaho
PUC to push back hard on NWN/Gem State and protect its Idaho citizens.
Our water comes from the Rathdrum Aquifer, which is one of the most prolific aquifers in
the country. Unlike the Boise Valley which is dependent upon good seasonal moisture to
fill reservoirs, the Rathdrum Aquifer Water stays adequate during dry times. Water is
relatively easy to obtain and abundant on this aquifer. Pricing is not necessary to regulate
water usage in this area. Area price for electricity which runs the water pumps is some of
the lowest in the country. The commodity(Water) that Gem State/NWN is selling us is
free.
I read the word "infrastructure" numerous times in the Gem State application. The
Diamond Bar Water system was installed in the 1990's. Gem State did install a new back
up well at the time of purchasing Diamond Bar Water. I am sure that an experienced water
provider such as Gem State would have taken this expenditure into account with their
purchase price. Gem State recently replaced all the what appeared to be perfectly good
domestic meters in Diamond Bar with new meters that can be read remotely and reduce
Gem State operating expense.
In researching neighboring Water systems, (that are non-profit) I found that Lone Mtn.
Estates, 5 acre lots like Diamond Bar, 6 miles to the north is on the the Rathdrum Aquafer
and pays $40 per month ($480/yr)for unlimited water.
In addition, East Greenacres Irrigation has numerous lot sizes, 8 miles to the west and is on
the Rathdrum Aquifer. This irrigation system has much older infrastructure and customers
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pay only$446 per year for a 5 acre site.
Currently two of my summer month Gem State Water bills are more then the entire yearly
bill in these comparable neighborhoods. And now they want a 53% increase on top of
that. I am all for a company making a profit, but not by taking advantage of a monopoly
situation by gouging its customers on a basic human need (Water).
I am hopeful that the PUC has the resources to complete a deep dive audit on corporate
giant like Gem State/NWN and they find that the proposed rate increase is in no way
warranted. As mentioned, we already pay well above the area rate for our water. lama
reasonable consumer and just want to be charged a fair amount. I look forward to
attending the PUC local hearing in August. I suggest that the PUC obtain a large venue and
schedule plenty of time because GEM State/ NW Natural Holdings has "poked the bear".
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