20250501Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Michael WIRTH
Submission Time: May 1 2025 3:50PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 26294 N Silver Meadows Loop
Athol, ID 83801
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed rate
increase submitted by Gem State Water. The company is seeking to raise water rates by
approximately 79%, which would increase my household's monthly bill from $35.00 to
$62.65, while simultaneously reducing the monthly water allowance from 10,000 gallons to
7,000 gallons.
This proposal is both unreasonable and unsustainable for many residents, particularly
given that this would mark the second rate increase in just over two years. Moreover, Gem
State Water is justifying this request using the same reasons as in the previous case—
raising serious concerns about financial planning, transparency, and fairness to
customers.
Water is a basic necessity, not a luxury. A near-doubling of rates without significant
improvements in service, infrastructure transparency, orjustification beyond previously
used reasons is unjust. Many residents live on fixed or limited incomes and simply cannot
absorb such steep increases. The proposed rate change would result in higher costs for
Less water, placing an unfair burden on the very communities Gem State Water is meant to
se rve.
I urge the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to deny this rate increase request and require
the utility to provide a more reasonable, transparent, and justified plan before considering
any further hikes."
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