20100202Comment.pdf

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January 22,2010 ,."" \ a~.ci. 8: 23"ttH í' fH'" - 1'L.UI\! ,.v
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Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
Gentlemen:
I find it alarming that you have allowed Idaho Power to raise their rates so high in the existing economy
considering the high cost of living and jobless people and the prospect of a very slow economical
recovery. This wil be the straw that breaks the camel's back for numerous people.
We received our power bil which had gone up drastically this past month - the most it has ever gone up
in our lives. The idea that the "average" usage is approximately 1200 kwt is ridiculous unless you live in
a one room shanty. Everyone with whom you speak is quite alarmed.
I realize that it was a very cold month, that Christmas lights contributed to the usage but it is stil a
terrible increase in cost. Our usage for this month last year was just a little less and yet the bil is so
much higher. I'm not sure why we are paying a "service charge" when the rates are already so high.
The service charge should only be charged to those not using power as it should be included in the rates
of those already using power. I also realize that there needs to be new ideas for conserving energy but
other businesses do not charge for those "extras" which should be more than adequately covered with
the current rates. I also realize that people back East pay about three times what we do but they do not
have the access to free water that Idaho Power does and they have a higher pay scale. You state that
you have new customers so it costs more; however, you charge that new customer for set up and then
you charge that new customer for power so it is not costing you anything extra for that new customer.
You need to rethink these tiered charges and make an adjustment so that the average Joe is able to
meet their monthly obligations without having to go without food on the table or heat in their homes.
Wêll, I guess that it will teach us to conserve energy or die trying - not that you really care. It's all about
the almighty dollar....
Yours truly,
~o~¥
824 Olds Ferry Road
Weiser, 10 83672
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Copy to: Idaho Power