20250825Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: R Rannow
Submission Time: Aug 25 2025 2:45PM
Email: 3.1415boson(cbgmaiLcom
Telephone: [phone]
Address: S Caddis Pl
Boise, ID 83716
Name of Utility Company: Intermountain Gas
Case ID: INT-G-25-0
Comment: "Public Comment Opposing Intermountain Gas Rate Increase (Case No. INT-G-
25-02)
As a concerned resident and ratepayer, I strongly oppose Intermountain Gas Company's
proposed 11.46% increase in residential rates and 5.16% increase for commercial
customers.This request is not only excessive, it is unjustified and deeply out of touch with
the economic realities facing Idaho families and small businesses.
Intermountain Gas claims this $26.5 million annual increase is necessary due to
infrastructure investments and a 5.3% rise in operation and maintenance costs since 2022.
But this narrative ignores a critical fact: customer growth has surged, with the company
now serving over 429,000 customers across 74 communities. This expansion should
generate more revenue organically, not be used as a pretext to burden existing customers
with higher bills.
Let's be clear: this is not about maintaining service quality. It's about shifting the cost of
corporate expansion onto the backs of everyday Idahoans. The average residential
customer would pay$4.69 more per month, a steep increase during a time when inflation
continues to squeeze household budgets. Meanwhile, commercial customers—many of
whom are small businesses—would see an increase of$9.26 monthly, further straining
local economies.
Intermountain Gas is a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, a publicly traded company
that has consistently posted profits. Asking ratepayers to subsidize infrastructure
investments while the parent company enjoys shareholder returns is not just unfair—it's
exploitative.
I urge the Commission to reject this rate increase and demand greater transparency and
accountability from Intermountain Gas. Idaho deserves a utility that serves its people, not
one that gaslights them into funding unchecked corporate growth:'
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