20250519Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Philip Poutre'
Submission Time: May 18 2025 10:59AM
Email: bushandratphiL(a)gmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 18870 N. Ella Rd
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water co.
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "My comment will be centered on the situation of an OUT OF STATE, FOR
PROFIT large NYSE listed conglomerate with three sub groups, doing business in four
states, with one group having nine water companies including Gem State Water the parent
who has, acquired at least eight local Idaho water companies ,(gobbling up) acquiring local
possibly decrepit, but working sufficiently, local water companies, Circle Bar S, requiring
upgrades, from Idaho owners at cut-rate pricing.Then in the case of the Circle Bar S,
(Turnipseed family)/circle bar S ranch developer, my water company, reducing services
(allowed water usage at flat charge) and performance (water pressure) by taking on
additional developments (The Glades) and now under parent company pressure to show
profit is asking PUC for a massive rate increase to increase Gem State/Circle Bar S system
services and Gem State additions on the backs of former Circle Bar S original users. This
appears to be the predatory business model of NW Natural Holdings- NW Natural Water-
Gem State Water and is detrimental to Idaho Residents and I will be asking for Idaho PUC
to deny the asking rate increases and require Gem state to continue service to Circle Bar S
customers at the level experienced when it was purchased. "
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