20250617Decision Memo.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMISSIONER LODGE
COMMISSIONER HAMMOND
COMMISSIONER HARDIE
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
FROM: ADAM TRIPLETT
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
DATE: JUNE 17, 2025
SUBJECT: INVESTIGATION INTO SYRINGA WATER INC.'S RATES AND
CHARGES FOR SERVICE; CASE NO. SWI-W-24-02
On September 6, 2024, the Commission issued Order No. 36317, directing Commission
Staff("Staff')to investigate the service rates of Syringa Water Inc. ("Company") and recommend
further action, if necessary. Since that time, Staff has propounded production requests upon the
Company and conducted an on-site evaluation of the Company's current rates, reviewing the
Company's rate structure, billing statements, operating expenses, lease agreements, and
infrastructure investment.
The Commission directed Staff, pursuant to its statutory authority and jurisdiction under
the Idaho Public Utilities Law, specifically Idaho Code § 61-501, to investigate whether the
Companies are operating as a public utility and if any steps should be taken by the Company to
comply with Idaho law. Order No. 36149.
The Commission also directed the Companies to respond to discovery questions and
inquiries made by Staff, and notified the Companies that Staff would make a recommendation to
the Commission regarding the Companies' status, a requirement of a CPCN, and any further
recommendations regarding the adequacy of service, and rate setting, once Staff completed its
investigation.
On January 21, 2025, Staff held an in-person public workshop in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
The purpose of the public workshop was to inform customers about the function of the
Commission in general and the scope and purpose of this investigation. Since that time, Staff has
completed its investigation and is prepared to make its recommendations to the Commission.
DECISION MEMORANDUM 1

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission issue a Notice of Modified Procedure establishing a
14-day public comment deadline and a 28-day Company reply deadline.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to issue a notice of Modified Procedure and establish a 14-day
public comment deadline and a 28-day Company reply deadline?
Adam Triplett
Deputy Attorney General
I:\Legal\WATER\SWI-W-24-02_Invest\memos\S WIW2402_dec3_at.doex
DECISION MEMORANDUM 2