20260123Comment_1.pdf

January 11, 2026 � Ci�,�ED
2026 All 23 PM 1: 28
i'USLIC
Idaho Public Utilities Commission ` I'-1 EQ Col ISSIpPd
11331 W.Chinden Blvd, bldg. 8-ste 201-A
Boise, ID 83714
RE:Case#SWS-W-25-02
Sirs/Ma'am—
I'm writing to again express my opposition to granting CDS StoneRidge Util. rate increase(s) recent
application. I have concerns regarding their arguments for the necessity for the increase(s)eandeir whether
the Idaho Public Utility Commission(Idaho PUC)is monitoring CDS StoneRidge Util. business practices and
activities.
I. CDS StoneRidge Util. had already submitted, and was granted, an increase of just over 20% last
year.
2. Their argument for requiring another increase is based on the same argument for the first increase
— a) investment into a "back-up power system" for primary wells, b) loss in revenue from the
StoneRidge Golf Course,c)the inability to adequately distribute water during power outages.
As I have voiced previously,I still believe simply on the merit of their request,and their requested proposed
amount of increase,that their application(and their business practices)requires a substantial investigation
for the true necessity of their increase on the part of the Idaho PUC.
CDS StoneRidge Util continues to argue homeowners need to offset their expenses,and due to a projected
loss of revenue from their adjacent Golf Course and Irrigation Revenues. They further stated they have
invested well over$900k into the infrastructure. In the past,they requested a rate increase of 261%and/or
more. Frankly as a resident of 5-yrs,li have not seen evidence of such an investment to the community and
the community water infrastructure. There has been no improvement in water quality, or any change in
the efficiency or maintenance of the water delivery to residences. And there has not been substantial
growth and development in the community;the homeowners association has recorded and presented in
the community very, very few homes built, below even state and national rates of new home building. In
fact, a few homes in the community have remained empty and for sale for long periods, consistent with
happenings in the real estate marketplace.
I have seen some investment in the neighboring golf resort. Espirit owns and operates StoneRidge Golf
Resort,and is the same parent company which owns and operates CDS StoneRidge Util.They have invested
in an independent water system. What appears evident to me from CDS StoneRidge Util's request, CDS
StoneRidge Util is attempting to offset their investments in their golf resort at the expense of the local
StoneRidge residents, yet local residents have not gained anything from the said investment. In short,

StoneRidge Util,owned by the same parent corporation who owns the resort and golf course,appears to
be attempting to have the many residents pay for the resort investment.
I can understand moderate increases associated with inflation costs, or from substantial expenses from
operation should it occur, but this application for increase appears retaliatory in nature when seen with
the bigger picture of the many, past legal issues the homeowner's association has litigated with the parent
corporation, Espirit.And predatory in nature,when you see an individual holding a monopoly utility with
the ability to impose and exploit a community of homeowners (many of whom are on fixed retirement
incomes). Furthermore, I am suspicious of their claim of a$900k investment into the utilities over the last
5-yrs, and wonder if the amount includes some of the current lawsuits levied against the parent
corporation from the homeowner's association.
In all,there is no evidence made aware to me or my neighbors which garners these rate increase(s). I am
curious whether the IPUC has ever seen such a similar request before. Surely, a couple dollars may have
seemed reasonable as an increase. But previously, CDS StoneRidge Util. attempted a single, substantial
rate increase of upwards of well over 200%. Now they seem to be attempting to obtain their desired
increases through steady, incremental amounts of upwards 40%each year. Is the Idaho PUC monitoring
this activity? Is the Idaho PUC observing and verifying CDS StoneRidge Utility's financial records and
ongoing business practices?I believe there should be further investigation beyond simply determining this
rate increase, but to also initiate an investigation into the operation of CDS StoneRidge Utilities,and their
association with the StoneRidge Golf Resort,and general business practices of Espirit.
I urge the Idaho PUC to deny and reject the application for the increase. In addition,I believe there should
be further investigation into the operations and practices of the CDS StoneRidge Utility and the parent
corporation.Thank you!
Sincere regards,
Donald G s
PO Box 502
Blanchard, ID 83804
209-403-0214