20260831Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Hilary Patterson
Submission Time: Aug 28 2026 5:54PM
Email: lakecityhilary@gmail,com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 226 Mogul Hill Road #6
Sandpoint, ID 83864
Name of Utility Company: Schweitzer Basin Water LLC
Case ID: SCH-W-26-01
Comment: "While I understand that utility companies must charge rates sufficient to cover
operating expenses and system upgrades, Schweitzer Basin Water LLC's proposal does not
appear to be based on a logical, equitable, or proportionate rate methodology. Charging all
ERUs a flat rate of$93 per month—regardless of dwelling size—does not reflect the
significant differences among units within the company's Schweitzer Mountain service
area. As an owner in the Blue Beetle 3 building, my unit is 328 square feet and has one
bathroom. Many similar units on the mountain are under 500 square feet, accommodate
only two people comfortably, and are used seasonally. Our unit is only used for three
months each year on weekends during ski season by two people, with only occasional
summer use. By contrast, many condominiums, duplexes, and single-family homes on the
mountain have multiple bathrooms and can accommodate 8 to 12 or more people. A quick
Airbnb search shows dozens of Schweitzer properties advertised for larger groups, and
those results likely do not include properties already booked during the search period. If
the homes in the Spires are included in Schweitzer Basin Water LLC's service area,
applying the same fee to all ERUs would be even more inequitable. Larger units with
multiple bathrooms and higher occupancy clearly have the potential to use significantly
more water than units under 500 square feet. Schweitzer Basin Water LLC, or the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission analysts, should request information from the Bonner County
Assessor to evaluate ERU sizes on the mountain.Water rates should be based on a range of
ERU sizes, with at least three rate categories that reflect unit size. If available, the number
of bedrooms and bathrooms should also be considered to create a more accurate fee
structure, particularly because Schweitzer Basin Water LLC does not have meter data.
Homes with irrigated or landscaped yards should also be evaluated because they may use
substantially more water. I respectfully request a customer workshop and customer
hearing on this matter. I also ask the auditing and analyst team to closely review the
proposal and compare it with similar water companies in Idaho to develop an equitable fee
structure that does not penalize small condo owners while benefiting larger condominium
and single-family homeowners on Schweitzer Mountain. Thankyou for considering these
comments and suggestions as you review the case. Sincerely, Hilary Patterson"
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