20040226Comment.pdf

FEB-25-2004 07: 46 PM RE I D G STEWART
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2/25/04
To E. Howell:
I am writing in regards to the Idaho Power Co. proposed rate increase.
Please let me know if I am addressing the right person. I understand they
have increased costs to accommodate new customers. I am a third generation
farmer in Idaho. All of my 5 siblings have left Idaho to pursue off..fann
careers. Of my 7 children raised on the farm. the adult children have left to
pursue off-fann careers. The profit margins are so tight I'm not encouraging
them to stay on the fann now. At my fann we do all we can to Irrigate
efficiently and control pumping costs. Including Low-pressure sprinklers and
Idaho Power buy back and time of use metering. It seems to me that if the
new customers are the reason for the rate increase they should pay for it.
don t think irrigators are responsible for the increase. In some cities they call
it "Impact Fees , surely there is enough. precedent to establish that. My
second question is the 12% profit margin Idaho Power Co. is guaranteed. Is
that too high? And are there expenses limited?
Sincerely,
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Reid G. Stewart
3100 W. 1000 S.
Aberdeen, Idaho 83210
Phone: [phone]