20250530Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: James DeHay
Submission Time: May 30 2025 11:45AM
Email:[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 3543 W. CJ Court
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "May 30,2025
From: James DeHay Jr
3543 W CJ CT
Rathdrum, ID 83858
To: Idaho PUC
P.O. Box 3720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
RE: Case#GSW-W-24-01
Gem State Water, LLC Rate Increase
Dear PUC,
I OBJECT to the proposed rate increase and base water usage reduction proposed by Gem
State Water and urge PUC to do the same.
I am on the Diamond Bar water system. I would like to note that the homes in Boekel
Estates only have a 1"service. We do not have a 2"irrigation option like the homes in
Diamond Bar Estates.
Doing a quick search, the average monthly water usage in the USA is 12,000 gallons a
month. Gem State Water is proposing to reduce our current base from 7,500 gallons to
5,000 gallons and charge us a 100% increase for the overage, Unacceptable!
Do the math, 2,500 fewer"Base"gallons with a 100% rate increase for overage is not a 31%
increase. $53.50 + $4.50 per 1,000 gallons to get us back to our current 7,500 gallons is a
57.92% increase. Misleading for sure!
The city of Rathdrum charges $15.55 for a base of 5,000 gallons with an overage charge of
$0.67 per 1,000 gallons up to 20,000 gallons. Above 20,000 gallons is $1.40 per 1,000
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gallons. We are being taken advantage of with the current rates and the proposed rate hike.
I believe it is the PUDs responsibility to protect the citizens of Idaho from greedy
corporations.
In 2022 and 2023, homes in Boekel Estates were paying$300 to$800 during the summer
months for water. When Gem State Water replaced the water meters our bills dropped
significantly.Were we being overcharged? Is there currently a calculation issue going on?
We do not know, and I think you should investigate this. Gem State Water appears to use
deceptive or inaccurate calculations creating confusion for customers.
Another reason to keep water rates affordable. Diamond Bar irrigation supplies water to 5
acre lots with established landscaping and family sized homes. Most of us have spent hard
earned money on landscaping/greenbelts around our homes for beauty and fire protection.
With the continuing rate increases by Gem State Water it is becoming more difficult to
maintain our investments. The greenbelts are more important now than ever. Insurance
companies are dropping coverage and jacking up rates and Avista will likely be cutting
power during high fire risk events. No power, no water to our spigots and fire hydrants. The
green belt would be the only fire buffer for our homes.
Again, I strongly object to the proposed rate increase and ask that PUD does the same.
Help protect our hard-earned money and investments. Do not let greedy corporations take
advantage of the people of Idaho.
Respectfully,
James DeHay
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