20040204Comment.pdf

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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 W. Washington St.
O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
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RE: Idaho Power Rate Increase
Dear Commissioners
As a 3rd generation Idaho farmer, I can empathize with Idaho Powers increasing costs
since 1993. I to have experienced those same types of costs and my only solution, I am
told, is to get more efficient. Perhaps Idaho Power should have had a surcharge on that
30% increase in customers since 1993 since they are a big reason for the rate requested
increase.
As an irrigator I think an increase of25% is absolutely preposterous. We farmers are
having a very hard time as it is.
As to the proposed elimination of the free re-connect charge I am strongly opposed.
I pump from a canal system that supplies water from 1 April to 31 October at maximum
and I, in general, only pump for 5 months per year, yet there would be a charge for the
other 7 months and it would be impossible for me to use Idaho Powers services nor is
there a need of meter reading, billing costs and other customer services related expenses.
It is hard enough to pay for what you need but don t make us pay for impossibilities.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Walter Garman