20070727Ltr from PK to Hasselstrom.pdf

Paul Kjellander
. Commissioner
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
C.L. "Butch" Otter
Governor
July 27, 2007
Carol Hasselstrom
188. N. 3950 East
Rigby, il 83442
Dear Ms. Hasselstrom:
Governor Otter has forwarded tons your letter of July 19.
As you may know, we are in the midst of a rate case with Morng View Water, so I am
restrained from commenting too much as I will be one of thee commssioners ultimately
deciding the case.
I am enclosing sta comments filed last month, which do address some of the water quality and
rate issues you raise with Governor Otter. Sta comments are only the views of staf and may
not necessarly be those of the commission. You can track the case as it progresses on our Web
site at ww.puc.idaho.gov.Click on the Water icon, then on "Open Water Cases," and scroll
down to Case No. MN - W -06-01. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may contact
Jean Jewell, commission secretar, at 1-800-432-0639, and ask to be placed on the mailing list
for ths case. All relevant documents will then be sent to you.
Also, I can tell you that we have been informed by the Deparent of Environmental Quality that
a backup well has been installed and is functioning, which should address some of the issues
règarding distrbution pressure.
You ask why you canot be served by another water utility. Typically, regulated utilties are
assigned service areas to avoid costly duplication of infastrctue. Whle there are definite
advantages to competition, it is extremely costly for water utilities, paricularly small ones, to
install wells, pumps and distribution lines right alongside those of a competing company.
Furer, there is the issue of a competitor acquig water rights, which are increasingly scarce in
Idaho. We have had instances where a nearby water company acquires a smaller water company
strggling with water quality, maitenance and expense issues. But it is highly unusua in Idaho
for customers to have a choice in water companes. We are served by the company serving the
area in which we choose to live and, unortately, that's about the only choice we have in the
Located at 472 West Washington Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone]
Carol Hasselstom
July 27, 2007
Page 2
matter. There are remedies, however, in improvig your service by contacting the appropriate
governent agencies, which, to your cret, you have done.
If we can be of any fuer assistace to you, please let us know.
Sincerely,a,l)id/~
pauf;an~~r
President
PK/GF:jj
Enclosur
cc: Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter