20250509Comments_2.pdf

The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Heather DeHay
Submission Time: May 8 2025 8:OOPM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3543 W. CJ Ct.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Heather DeHay
3543 W. CJ Court
Rathdrum, ID 83858
heatherdehayCa)gmail.com
May 8, 2025
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0026
RE: Case#GSW-W-24-01
Gem State Water Rate Increase
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to the proposed rate increase by
Gem State Water, which would mark the second rate hike in two years. This increase is not
only unreasonable but also raises serious questions about the company's billing practices,
transparency, and compliance with Idaho Public Utilities Commission regulations.
Excessive Rate Increase and Unjustified Charges According to the EPA(source:
https://www.simpureLife.com/blogs/blogs/average-home-water-usage), the average
American family of four uses 9,600— 10,800 gallons of water per month. At our current
7,500 base gallons, we are already conserving far more than the national average. Reducing
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our base to 5,000 gallons, as proposed, would be an arbitrary and unsustainable limitation
that would guarantee overage charges every month. This is not only unreasonable but also
unfair to our community, which has already demonstrated its commitment to water
conservation.
Unique Circumstances of Boekel Estates
Unlike the rest of Diamond Bar, Boekel Estates does not have an irrigation line, and as a
result, our base gallons are used to water grass and gardens, in addition to our household
needs.This unique circumstance makes it even more challenging for our community to
meet the proposed reduced usage threshold, as we are not eligible for separate irrigation
rates.
Lack of Transparency and Confusing Billing Practices
The company's billing practices are woefully inadequate and lack transparency. Last year,
our bills randomly switched from gallons to cubic feet, without notification, making it
difficult for most customers to understand actual usage and charges.This change is
particularly concerning, as our rates are set by gallons, and we have no idea how to
calculate our usage and overage charges based on cubic feet. The bill itself is also very
vague, making it difficult to determine how many gallons were used, what the base rate is,
or how the overage rate was calculated.
Prior Concerns and Lack of Action
On August 18, 2023, 1 submitted a formal complaint to this Commission regarding the
previous rate hike and the blatant lie from the Gem State Water mailer about it resulting in a
0% increase. The summer bills in our community ranged from $400 to over$1,000, more
than double from the previous year. I expressed my concerns about the company's billing
practices and the impact of the first rate hike on our community. Unfortunately, my
concerns were ignored by the PUC, and the company has continued to implement
confusing and unfair billing practices. (see Attachment A e-mail from August 18, 2023)
Manipulation of Usage Data without Notification Gem State Water has made manual
overrides to our usage data, misrepresenting our actual usage. In February 2024, they even
entered a negative usage of-19,404 (gallons?feet?... no one knows)without explanation.
This happened to our neighbors as well. This manipulation of usage data is concerning to
say the least.
Conscientious Water Conservation Efforts Our household, like many others in our
community, has made significant investments in water-saving appliances and practices.
We have low-flow showerheads, toilets, faucets, dishwasher, and washer, and make every
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intentional effort to conserve water.When families take significant steps to conserve water
conscientiously, it is reasonable to expect that they will not exceed their base usage.
Impact on Vulnerable Community Members
Many of our neighbors are retired and living on a fixed income. The proposed rate increase
and confusing billing practices will create undue hardship. It is your duty as a regulatory
agency to protect the rights of vulnerable community members and ensure that they are
not taken advantage of by companies seeking to maximize profits.
Request for Investigation and Action
In light of the above concerns, I respectfully request that the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission investigate this matter and take necessary actions to:
1. Order Gem State Water to provide transparent and accurate billing practices;
2. Reject the Gem State Water proposed rate increase/base decrease.
Sincerely,
Heather DeHay
ATTACHMENTA
E-mail receipt received from Idaho PUC
The following complaint was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Heather DeHay
Submission Time: Aug 13 2023 10:34PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3543 W. CJ Ct.
Rathdrum , ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Contacted Utility: Yes
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Comment: "Last year, Gem State Water submitted supposedly then current average
monthly billing to the PUC in order to justify a rate increase. The letter we received stated
the average monthly bill was $52.02 and would *decrease*to $51.95 if the new rates"
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Name: Jerry Whetstine
Submission Time: May 8 2025 9:29PM
Email:jerrykathyinchelanPyahoo.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 1609 E. Amulet Circle
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "I'm located in the Bar Circle"S"water district within the Gem State Water
Company. This is a follow up letter to a previous letter submission.
I attended the Idaho state workshop and customer hearing that was provided to share
information on 1 May 2025 at the Athol Community Center. The workshop was well
attended by approx. 100 plus very upset Gem State customers. Information that I learned
at this workshop has led me to become more suspicious of the Gem State Water Company.
From what I understand Gem State Water is a private company with shareholders. They are
obligated to the shareholders to make as much profit as possible.This, I believe comes at
the expense of the Gem State Water customers.
Gem State water increase notice states:"Recover the current cost of operating and
maintaining the water systems, which has escalated in recent years,prudently incurred
system improvements recent investments to replace aging infrastructure"
I learned at the meeting that the Idaho PublicUtilities Commission Requirement is:
"The revenue the Company needs to meet its expenses, cover depreciation, and earn a
sufficient rate of return to attract investors".
What is the definition of a "sufficient rate of return"for Gem State Water from the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission.?
What is the monetary amount?
Who exactly makes the decision on how much the"sufficient rate of return" is for the Gem
State Water District?
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What are the guidelines that the Idaho Public Utilities Commission uses to give Gem State
water a "sufficient rate of return"?
Are any employees of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission or family members
shareholders in the Gem State Water District?
This certainly would present serious issues if any State of Idaho Water Commission
employees or family members are shareholders in the Gem State Water District.
What is enough "sufficient rate of return"for the Gem State Water District?They have a
great business plan for them and their shareholders. Buy up water districts. Put some
money into the new water district, then claim to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission they
are not getting a "sufficient rate of return". Gem State Water then dramatically raises all the
customers rates and then the Idaho Water Commission is obligated to give them a
"sufficient rate of return" It should be noted that the notice from Gem State Water did not
include information on buying up other water districts in Idaho and out of state, improving
them, and passing those costs on to their customers. Are customers of Gem State Water
here in Idaho helping pay for all of this?
In July of this year I have been in my home for 4 years. We have a home with acreage,
Livestock and maintain a fire zone of grass around our house for fire protection. Many of our
neighbors are in the same situation living in a rural area.In the summer I have documented
water pressure as low as 31 pounds.Two years ago I contacted Gem State Water on the low
pressure issue. I was especially concerned if the fire department could do theirjob with
such low water pressure. The representative of Gem State Water met with me and did
recognize the low pressure and related it to aging water pumps and an increase in
construction of homes. He also stated that 31 pounds of pressure still meets the State of
Idaho requirements. He indicated funds were in place to update the pumps and it would be
about a year. Two years later still low water pressure. There have been absolutely no
improvements to the water pressure issue. The only improvement that I have seen is a new
water meter. Because of the extremely poor water pressure I had to install a water booster
pump with a cost of$2,000. Because of the extremely poor water pressure I had to install a
water booster pump with a cost of$2,000.
They will not address our water pressure issue and now want to raise our rates by 79% and
Lower our usage to 5,000 gallons a month. Also, in our notice to raise rates they failed to
mention that the monthly usage was going to be reduced to only 5,000 gallons a month.
I would ask that the State of Idaho consider an appropriate rate increase or none at all and
take into consideration the poor customer service in not addressing our very poor water
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pressure issue. I understand that there are rising costs with running a water district but a
79% increase and a decrease to a 5,000 gallon a month water allotment is extreme.
I also believe that it is inappropriate to help subsidize Gem State Water with higher water
rates to buy additional water districts both in and out of the State of Idaho so they can
make more profit for the shareholders.
The Gem State Water Company is a"MONOPOLY"and is enabled by the Idaho Public
Utilities Commission who guaranties a sufficient rate of return, no matter how many water
districts they buy and own with no regard to how the Gem State Water Company is run. The
cost is passed on to us customers by substantially raising our water rates. "
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