20030506comment.pdf

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.t1\SSION~~i~~~~~ and President Paul J.
Commissioner Marsha H. Smith
Commissioner Dennis S. Hansen
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Caldwell Professional Center, Inc.
O. Box 148Weiser, Idaho 83672April 30, 2003
Kj ellander
Re:Idaho Power Company proposed rate reduction
Dear Commission Members:
I write to comment on Idaho Power Company s proposed rate
reduction for electrical rates for the period May 16, 2003 to May, 2004. Caldwell Professional Center Inc. (CPCI) is a small
commercial user of electricity at its office building in
Caldwell , Idaho.
CPCI approves the rate reduction, but urges the Commission
to make the reduction just and reasonable.The rate reduction
for small commercial users is only 11%, while large commercial
users will receive a 24.7% reduction. Is this "just and
reasonable" ?
According to a recent article in a leading nationwidenewspaper, small businesses are "vital to economic growth because
they create most new jobs.It is in the "public interest" to
encourage small commercial users by reducing their electric rates
by the same percentage as large commercial users. To do so would
level the competitive playing field and encourage small
commercial users to expand their businesses and to hire newworkers. This would stimulate the Idaho economy at a higher
level than the present rate structure. Idaho s economy is
currently in a recession and needs stimulation from every source
including electrical rates.
CPCI requests the Commission to consider all relevant
factors in reaching a decision on the reduction of electrical
rates and to make a decision that is "j ust and reasonable " to
small commercial users and in the "public interest.
Sincerely yours,
~~ufE: Corporate Secretary
cc:Wm. J. Brauner, CPCI President