20250617Comment_1.pdf

Gem State Water Company-Case No. GSW-W-24-01
06/12/2025
Dear Idaho Public Utilities Commission Members,
Our comment is to oppose and criticize the proposed general rate increase the Gem State Water/ Bitterroot &
Rickel and all the other local water systems included in Gem State. This company is out of touch with reality.
We are NOT in an area that can support this proposed rate increase. We are an agricultural area with
residential properties which include raising livestock, farming, and raising gardens for personal food supply.
We live in a wildfire prone ecosystem. Combine this with global warming and increased human population,the
environment has seen an increase in number of wildland fires in this area and an increase in severity which
leaves property owners less able to protect our own properties. We do not live on Portland city lots, nor do
we have the financial means to pay the proposed rate increases of nearly 80%.This proposed increase in cost
is completely out of touch. Additionally,the reduction of what used to be 15,000 gal/month rate with Rickel to
current 10,000 gal/month with Gem State is hard enough for property owners. To see a monthly increase in
price along with a further reduction of usage to 7,000 gallons is an attack on hardworking conservative families
who live in our area. Your customers demonstrate healthy conservation and prudent practices to use our water
wisely. If we're to protect our water systems, I would suggest taking a closer look at future planning in
relationship to the increased growth that demands more of our natural resources.
In further review of Gem State Water/NW Natural Holdings, we have found Justin Palfreyman, President of
Gem State Water Co., LLC and CEO as of 04/01/2025 and elected President and CEO of NW Natural Holdings.
As of 2023, Mr. Palfreyman made over$2,000,000.00 in total compensation from NW Natural Holdings. This
information was taken from www.l.salary.com.
We feel that Mr. Palfreyman, being originally from New York and educated in Chicago does not- OR will not
represent our North Idaho rural and conservative community. The NW Natural Holdings mission statement is
to provide safe, reliable, and affordable utility services and renewable energy in a sustainable way to better
the lives of the communities they serve.
We strongly urge you to deny the proposed increase rate of 79%/month along with a reduction of base water
consumption of 7,000 gallons which is half of the base water consumption prior to NW Natural Holdings
acquiring Gem State/Bitterroot and Rickel Water Company. Thank you for your time.
Conservative Land Owners,
Len.Broderson
Dana Broderson NOISSI!';
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