20081209Comment.pdf

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Jean Jewell
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Sent:
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skidoohighmark~hotmail.com
Tuesday, December 09,20088:12 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Steve Martinez follows:
Case Number: IPC-E-ØS-22
Name: Steve Martinez
Address: 1772 W Sugarberry
City: Eagle
State: 10
Zip: S3616
Daytime Telephone: 2ØS-941-3734
Contact E-Mail: skidoohighmar~hotmail. com Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power Add to
Mailing List:
Please describe your comment briefly:
Dear Commissioners:
I am contacting you concerning IPUC Case Numbers IPC-E-ØS-22, Idaho Power's application to
modify their Rule H Tariff. I am very concerned with the possible impacts of the proposed
modifications upon the development industry as well as the timing in which they are being
brought about.
First, the manner in which the timing and processing of the application has proceeded is
concerning to me. I became aware of the order for notice of intervention at a very late date
in the process and request an extension of the 14 day timeline for all parties to file
petitions to intervene. By publishing the order on the day before a 4 day holiday weekend,
the timeline for notification and action by all interested parties was severely diminished.
Please do not rush such an important application I through the process but allow the public to
be served by allowing sufficient time for notification and response.
Second, the approval of Idaho Powers application as proposed will create an undue hardship
upon an industry that has been struggling for life for over a year. The removal of the $SØØ
per lot refund that developers receive will put into jeopardy the viability of projects that
have already been approved and financing secured based upon the expectation of a per lot
refund. In the tight credit market we are seeing today, this change can have great
repercussions.
Third, I recognize the hardships that Idaho Power faces in providing services in a time of
increasing power demands. However, we also ask that it be recognized that the
building/development industry is also a vital part of our economy that has been struggling
for some time. Many of the businesses in our industry have had to layoff staff and fore go
wage increases to employees. And an increase in any fees at this time is something that our
industry and the market can not handle. A July 2ØØ7 study conducted by the National
Association of homebuilders identified an $SØØ increase in initial cost on a home compounds
to a $lØØØ increase in the price of the home. And that in the Treasure Valley that $lØØØ
increase leads to 293 people being priced out of purchasing the home. I understand the
importance of growth paying its equitable share. However due to the effect that the proposed
Idaho Power modifications has on home affordability I must also ask has Idaho Power also made
the same tough decisions as our members have in regards to staffing and budgetary cutbacks?
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I thank you for your service and for the duty that the IPUC performs. I once again ask you
for a time extension in regards to the petition to intervene deadline. And stress the
importance of this application and the effects that it could have if approved.
Sincerely,
Steve Martinez
The form submitted on http://ww. puc. idaho .gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc. html
IP address is 72.24.241.194
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