20110610Comments.pdf

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John turck RECEiVED
p.O. box 431
Idaho CityID 201 I JUN - 7 AM 8: 25
Public Utilites Comm
Boise,lD
I understand that Idaho Power is about to ask for another raise,of course this
comes as no surprise to Me and many other People that I know
I happen to be a WW11 Vet 88 years old on a very limited income of les
that $1000 a month,out of this i must pay My rent,utilite bils and tr to eat
40 yers ago this would be a fair incme, not toay,its nothing. the co of
livng goe up and up,no raise on SS,and i'm not just talking for MyIf,I'm
also talking for thos oter por Souls that are in the same bo as Myelf.
We have to tihten our belt,let I~P~ do th same for a change,let the CEO
try to live on My income and others like Me
Jean Jewell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
soldbytj(§prsidaho. com
Friday, June 10, 2011 7:41 AM
Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from TJ Merzlock follows:
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Case Number: IPC-E-11-08
Name: TJ Merzlock
Address: 12260 North Hiline Rd.
City: Pocatello
State: Idaho
Zip: 83202
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: soldbytj~prsidaho.com
Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power Co.
Acknowledge: acknowledge
Please describe your comment briefly:
I understand that Idaho Power Company has requested a rate hike in the customers
monthly usage base to the tune of 8-9% on residential use, More on commercial and irrigation
users.
I am vehemently opposed to awarding these folks a rate hike right now while things in
the country are in such disarray.
I also understand that this rate hike is for the purpose of aiding the 'retirement
programs' for the folks who are now working at Idaho Power and for the cost of living
adjustments for those who are already retired. This is the same thing the unions were trying
to force the ligislature to comply with in the state of Wisconsin not too long ago.. the
unions were fighting the state for more benefits and pay for the Wisconsin teachers. The
unions were defeated badly in Wisconsin simply because the state did not have the money
coming in to pay the extra money out. They are also in debt to the tune of 8 billion dollars.
This is èxactly what Idaho Power, and Mr, Said are trying to do to their valuable customers
who already provide these folks a very nice wage and living.
My opinion is that the IPUC needs to take a careful look at all utilities and make them
suffer a little just like all their customers are doing now and have done for years and
years. many, many, of our folks out there are hurting very badly and cannot handle any more
increases.
In my case, i have several rental properties and I cannot make them cash flow any longer
due to the increases in utility rates, property taxes, and insurance rates. I am bottom-
lining the same net on these rental units that I was 15 years ago. The only benefactors of a
rent increase over the years have been the above entities. It is not fair and it is not right
to randomly give rate hikes to those who just don i t need them. Its very convenient for Mr.
Said to sit in his office each day and have these 'think-tank' sessions on how he can derive
more money for his people. Maybe if he becomes popular enough wi thin his company he may raise
to the position of Chairman of the Board, or some other eloquent position that would not only
give hime the glorous bahama-type retirement that he's looking for, but also give him a great
pay raise in his new position.
The people of Idaho cannot afford to pay more for anything. Its time the utili ties and
their folks share in the tightening of the belt and the rolling- up of the sleeves.
We all have great faith in th IPUC and expect you folks to protect us from the unions
and the utilities from taking more from us than they deserve. Very Truly Yours, TJ Merzlock,
Pocatello, Idaho , Realtor Cell 208- 380-1003.
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